Camp Niagara Baton Rouge

Head Quarters of the 116^th Reg^t N. Y.

S. Vol La         July 1^st/63

 

                                                                                                            Miss Hutchins

I received your kind Epistle last night. I am happy to have the pleasure and privalege of corisponding with a friend of my Dear Cousin Hattie as I have a little leasure time I will inform you of my whereabouts and health. Since the 3^d of may I have been to work in the Hospital as head nurse I like the business well I tell you it is a pleasure to me to take care of the sick and wounded Soldiers. our Regt is cut up badly 188 killed & wounded and the fight is not over yet oh! if this horrible war would but cease what what a blessing it would be to our Dear Country and what a pleasure/to the poor Soldier to have the opportunity to meet his friends once more around the home circle, but these happy thoughts must not be cherished in my mind. I must say as I have said many times before I will be contented under what circumstances I may be placed while I am in the United States Servis. the prospect of of the end of this war is not any better than it was when I enlisted one year ago but I do think the Rebs are about played out in La and Kentucky our forces are bound to take Port Hudson & Vicksburg before many days. Gen Banks is at Port Hudson with his whole forces and I think he will make a final charge tonight or tomorrow the the roar of cannon beating of drumes the groans of the dieing and wounded will be heard. if I can I am going to the field/to help take care of the wounded and sooth the poor soldier in his last hours he has to stay on earth. I was at the battle of the 21^st helped bury our dead oh! such horrible sights I never beheld before pen and ink can not discribe the horror and bloodshed one little battle as that of the 21^st what will be the sight of the final battle of Port Hudson God onely knows. prehaps you will be worred reading so much about war I will not write any more this time. Hattie wrote in her letter some few things about you saying you was her best friend. I hope this will not be our last conversation we may have but to the contrary. I would like to see Hattie and her Friend Marriette. write soon and oblige your friend

                                                                        Stephen A. Matthews

 

Direct to Stephen A Matthews

116^th Regt. N.Y.S.Vol.

                        Baton Rouge

                                    La

In care of Cpt John Higgens

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