In front of Petersburg Aug 1^st 1864

 

My Dear Mamie.

                        I have received your letters of the 21^st and 27^th I should have written before but have not felt like it although I wanted to very much—This quiet pleasant morning lying here in camp I can hardley realize the terrible events of day before yesterday (Saturday) Friday at we had been lying in trenches 48 hours & supposed we should get relieved & go into to camp that night We got relieved but instead of going into camp we marched with our Corps to the rear of the Ninth Corps. I soon learned there was to be a fight the next day & we were to go in as support for the Ninth Corps We were all night getting into position. It was just daylight as we got into the front line of works Our place was in front & a little to the left of one of the Reb. fort that was to be blown up the fort was undermined & 7 1/2 tons of Powder placed under it The Explosion of the mine was to be the signal of assault/

 

It came before I expected it all of a sudden there was trembling of the Earth & then came the explosion. Looking up I saw the dirt & timber was so dense that you could only see around the edges but I could not look to long for the order was to fire a volley as soon as the explosion took place. We were to fire but our volley but quit did not ensue after we stopped firing for the Artillery fire would have drowned the noise of a million muskets. Soon we see the troops already formed move forward on the charge they move over the works & on they go, with a cheer they gain the fort now in ruins & then stop Many have fallen on the way up but a worse fate awaits them for as the ly there they are exposed to the most murderous of crossfires both of Atillery & Musketry After a while another charge is made by a Div of Niggers they go in well & drive the “Johnnies” but the Johnnies rally &, & the Niggers start back & there is no stopping them. They loss all that they gained & lose the day for us another feeble attempt is made by a Brig. to charge in our front—but soon come back over the works what of them that did not fall About 3 oclock our the fire being so hot our men are obliged to leave the fort & that leaves us where we started in the morning not having gained any thing Things now become quiet with only an occasional shot/

 

I suppose we things will go again as before the fight—Give my kind regards to Frances tell her I hardley could not wish for you to be in better company but do not think it best for you to stay always I am disgusted with this letter it is miserable but I am sick I could not write with a pen neither can I with pencil Much love Mamie & now Good bye      Court

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