Camp 20^th Conn Vols.           

Raleigh N.C.              

April 28^th 1865

           

My Dear Parients

                 Your most welcome letter of the 20^th inst I recieved today and you cannot imagine how glad I was to hear from you again we have just returned from the front. Reb Gen Johnston has surrendered We left Releigh a few days since and marched out to where the line was established between the two Armies ready to pounce upon the Rebels as soon as Gen. Sherman said the word. But tis all over now no more fighting in the is the word among the boys. I hope tis so for woe be unto the unfortunate Rebels if the Grand Army of Sherman is let loose upon them. I tell you the assassination of President Lincoln has entirely changed the feelings of this army to all Rebels in arms. "They are a treacherous set the whole of them and ought to be wiped from the face of Gods Earth" I heard one of the boys of our Reg^t exclaim the other day while talking of the President's death. Yes says another, "Clean them out the whole cursed race of them". To all of which I say Amen. This is a fair specimen of the feelings of the soldiers in regard / to the death of our beloved Commander in Chief and while we lament his death we stand ready with willing hearts and hands to obey the commands of our new President for the further suppression of the Rebellion and the punishment of traitors. 'Tis rumored that hostilities have ceased and that peace will soon be declared but I do not expect to get home much before my time is out. I am glad now I did not come home for my time is nearly out and I want to have a hand in the winding up of the Rebellion although should like to get some of Grandma's cakes and pies for rations are not very plenty now in camp. I hope to hear that Henry Goodrich is at home soon should he be at home when you get this ask him when I shall send his letters for I have several for him. The boys are all in good health and spirits. Number now present for duty 25. Those pictures from the pencil of Lieut. Abbott I am glad you and Aunt Newton have got them But I cannot write more now. Direct your next letter to Washington. Yours of the 20^th inst was the first I have had since the second of March.

                                                                       

With much love to all

I remain your Affectionate son

Henry

 

We march Monday for Petersburg Va a                                                                     

nice little walk of 50 miles. but we are accustomed

to march and do not mind it

 

[margins]

 

Enclosed is a piece of evergreen which I picked in the yard of the capitol, and some flowers which I got in Wilmington

 

The whole Army mourns the death of our beloved President

SOURCES