Camp 20^th Conn Vols.

Raleigh N.C.

April 15^th 1865

           

My Dear Parients

                  I sent you a letter from Goldsboro last Sunday but as we have a chance to send a mail I thought I would improve the time We took posession of this city on the 13^th inst. We left Goldsboro on the 10^th and met with but little opposition on our march. Reb. Gen Johnson did not think it best to risk an engagement so he very wisely retreated and left us in quiet posession of the capital of the old North State and with this we have the news of Lees surrender to Lt Gen Grant so the boys are in pretty good spirits What poor old Jeff will do I cannot imagine. Gen Sherman / is giving Johnson no rest or peace When we are not after him the cavalry under the leadership of Genls Kilpatrick Stoneman are continually harrassing his rear and flank. Things look bright now in the words of Gen Grant "Glory to God the dawn is breaking" it surely seems so now. Tis rumored upon pretty good authority that Reb Gen Hardee was in town to see about negotiations for the surrender of Johnstons Army and that Gen Sherman had gone to confer with him. if this is true (and we have every reason to believe it is) Jeff Davis and and his Confederacy have "gone up". "Hurrah for the old Union and flag long may it wave. If we can wipe out the Rebellion before or by the expiration of our term of service I shall be satisfied and will not complain / I wonder now what "Southern Chivalry" think about "Northern Mudsills and Greasy Mechanics". Raleigh is quite a pretty little place has several fine churches Lunatic and Deaf and Dumb Asylum The capitol building is built in the center of the city on a rising eminence and commands a fine view of the surrounding country in the yard in front is a bronze statue of Washington life size The depot was burned by the Rebels when they were leaving the city We captured several cars two loaded with salt and one with cavalry sabers In my other letter I sent my check on the State for 20 dollars which I forgot to sign as I wrote and sent the letter in a hurry Please send it back and I remedy the mistake. I believe I wrote you that PHG was wounded I did / not get a chance to see him He will probably get a furlough I hope so. I write this letter on Rebel paper it is poor stuff like every thing be in the Confederacy. this is some that I got from somebodys book store. But the mail closes soon I cannot write more at present Write as soon as you can and send me some stamps and a little money

 

With much love to all

                       

I remain as ever

Your Affectionate son

Henry—

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