Head Quarters 1^st Brigade

near the Weldon R.Road

August 22^d 1864

 

Dear Mother

                                                                                    We recrossed the James night before last and came to this point in rear of the 5^th Corps ready to support them if necessary We have the Weldon road in our possession and Gen Grant intends to hold it. The 5^th Corps had quite a fight before we reached here. they repulsed the rebs with great slaughter.

 

            I presume our move across the James was only intended to draw the rebs attention that way—while the 5^th Corps took the R.Road which was done after a pretty severe fight.

 

            Our loss was quite heavy. Our brigade lost in the charge about two hundred & fifty I presume you have seen accounts of it in the paper. Col. Macy of the 20^th Mass was in command. I received your letter mailed at Camden yesterday. I presume by that you have been visiting them. You did not mention it. Our corps is under orders ready to follow the 5^th as soon / as they become engaged. Gen Warren has just sent word that the enemy had left his front. I think he will find a plenty of them before he proceeds far. Bill Allyn intimated to me some time ago that he was engaged to Eliza. It has been quite rainy of late—frequent showers. Maj Patten of the 20^th Mass a particular friend of mine was shot in the leg and had it amputated. I am afraid he will not live. I received a letter from Susan yesterday Our brigade is commanded by L^t Col Rugg of the 59 N.Y. he will be relieved in a day or two. I think Col. Hudson will take command

 

            Nothing new with us. It is fight—fight—fight the same over & over every day.

 

                                                                                                Remember me to all

 

                                                                                                            Ansel

 

                                                                                                [Ansel L. White

                                                                                                Co B 19^th Maine]

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