Camp in the woods near

                                                                                                Birks Station on Danvill

                                                                                                Raid Road

                                                                                                            April 18^th 1865

 

My dear Son

                        Your kind letter of the 12^th Recd. We are lying quiet here to day somewhat tired and worn having had 21 days of the most active campaign known in the history of the world. Our success has been complete some days marching through mud and mire 25 miles some 30 miles a day. Lees Army as I understand had when we commenced 65.000 muskets about 200 cannon with them independant of their works. The cavalry force I do not exactly know. But Lee said He issued rations at Richmond & Petersburg when He started for 1000.000 men. We have had some hard fighting and with the exception of Gravely Run Our Corps have whipped every thing before us in connection with Sheridan and His brave men who have done well at Gravelly Runn the 2 & 3 divisions got badly handled and driven back our divn came in and we bounced them finely taking back all ground gained by the rebbels and drove them back 3/4 of a mile beyond where they had driven the 2 & 3 Div to their main works thus thrusting out of their gains during the morning at 5 forks we had a terrible fight a reglar tup but triumphed This victory unlocked Petersburg & Richmond. The surrender of Lees army was splendid. I will not attempt to describe the fight and the surrender. Our 1^st Division was in the fight direct in front. We were in 2 lines of battle in ten minutes after we reached the ground and the flag of truce came in on our front. Well I cannot write more now. Love to Ida & the dear children and all at home. Recd Sis letter of the 11^th. Will try to answer tomorrow. The death of Mr Lincoln is greatly felt by the army. The feeling is deep among all. Love to Laymen & friends.

 

                                                Affectionately

                                                            Your father

                                                                        E. M. Gregory

 

My Brigade is fine and have done their whole duty at every point men and officers doing nobly with but few exceptions no men flinching obeying orders under trying circumstances to the letter.

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