Camp 121^st reg^t O. V. I. near Goldsboro North Carolina

March 27^th 1865.

 

                                                Dear Brother & Family;—

                                                                                                                        I know you think your letter has not reached me or I have forgotten to answer it, but not so. Your letter came to hand the day before we left Sisters-Ferry, and I had not time to answer it, untill now, and now my time is limited, but I will do the best I can for the time, and ask you to forgive if you think nessessary. You are aware of the long march that Sherman and his army has made, and now they have turned up again to write to their friends and let them know how they are making it.

 

Well friends;—I am glad that I can tell you, that I am yet numbered with those who are alive and in health, and hope you are all enjoying the same good and great blessing. / Often, yes very often did I think of you and the rest when the enemy was all arround us, and wished that I could say but one word to you. We passed through South-Carolina on our last march and endured many wet days and nights. But we have come out Victorious, and now all is well. Columbia the Capital of South-Carolina was distroyed and pretty much every thing that we come to in that state, but in this state not so much was distroyed. Tis true we took all we wanted to eat (which was about all) and all we wanted for comfort. We had no fighting of any account untill the 19^th of this month, when it was pretty hot. Our division was surrounded but we hung too, and at last got out. The 1^st division of our corps and the 1^st division of the 20^th corps were drove back and the rebs tried to take us fellows in but they could not quite come it. They would / hollow surrender, but we could not see the surrender, but kept shooting them down like flies. They lossed heavy and so did we, but we held our ground in spite of all. Our regiment had 33 killed and wounded that day, and some other regiments lossed more. Our company was very fortunate as we had but one man wounded. On the 16^th we had quite a skrimish, and had one man wounded in our Company also. The regiment in all this march had 37 killed and wounded and four or five captured. This last march of ours has caused the fall of Charlston and many other places but we was to far off to take possession of them and other troops took the towns, but we care not just so that we can close the war.

 

Gen. Sherman thinks that he has an invincable army and can go where he pleases, but I fear he will ask to much of us. On the 19^th one whole corps was fighting our division and if they had of knew what we / did they would of crushed us. Our Gen thought we was gone up, but all came out right.

 

            We are now in camp and drew full rations last evening and think we will draw clothing to-day. The boys are all pretty ragged but when we get new clothes we will be the same boys but will have new clothes. We are often asked what regiment and the answer is generally the same old regiment. But I must go on.

 

            I heard of the weddings and wish I could of been to some of the roasts. I think if I am fortunate I must have some roasts next winter on some of my friends expences if they live, but we must leave time tell all this. I wish I could of been there to go with you sleighing when the roads were so good. We seen no snow this winter and now the weather is quite comfortable. The trees are green and have been in full boom for some time and every thing looks pleasant. I think too, the rebelion is commencing to quake and will soon fall. I cannot see much help for Lee if we join Grants army. God Grant that peace will soon prevale.

 

            I think you have quite a good opinion about the Sunday soldiers, at least you have my opinion. I think they should leave those men have a chance too that have fought many hard battles. Our regiment has never done any guard duty and we have seen many battles. I would be pleased to hear of the old 121^st being ordered to the Carlisle garison. I would then ask for leaf of absence about one day to talk to my old mother. But I will have to close for this time hoping to hear from you soon. May God bless us and shield us from all dangers is my prayer. Farewell

 

Direct as before                                                                                  H. Wetzel

Comp B. 121^st reg^t O. V. I.

2^nd brig 2^nd dvis. 14^th A.C.

Via. New York.

 

My best wishes to all

of you and all inquiring

friends and folks.

 

[margins]

 

Please send me a little thread to patch now and then and sow buttons on and you will oblige one of your dear Brothers and one of Gen. Shermans soldier boys

Goldsboro

North Carolina.

 

Pardon the short letter and write a long one and give me the news

 

Tell me who was drafted

SOURCES