Camp on Cheeseman's Creek

Near Yorktown, Va.,

April 18, 1862

 

            Dear Father—

                                                                                                            We are now on the north side of the creek above mentioned—exactly opposite to the point at which I wrote you a few days since. Our brigade (and division) now occupies a reserve position on the right flank of the line of our operations, and some four miles in the rear. For two days heavy canonading has been going on in the vicinity of Yorktown—but what the result has been we are not informed. Our camps are always full of "rumors"—the truth of any particular act cannot be vouched for unless personally witnessed. On the night of the 17 [16 overwritten] continuous firing was kept up until morning, and then quite an engagement appeared to be going on, and has continued, at intervals, the entire day. During last night and this morning the heaviest firing (so far) took place, being interrupted with musketry, and has been continued all day. It is "reported" the rebels are withdrawing—that our forces stormed and spiked two of their batteries—that our loss was some 40 killed—that the rebels failed in an attempt to capture our "gun boats". The difficulty with us is, that we do not know what is true and what false. Depend for our news on the Baltimore & Phila. papers. Have rec'd to day, the first mail since / leaving Cune Point. Weather pleasant—quite warm during the day—cool at night. Reg't enjoys good health and spirits, and there are no doubts entertained of our ability to capture Yorktown, and a good portion of the Rebel army, if they make a stand. The First Jersey Brigade is expected due to-morrow. Were embarking at Alexandria yesterday. Serg't Mitchell, Lt. Sahl, and others, returned to camp to-day. No sutler's boats are allowed to leave here, for the present. As soon as I have an opportunity, I shall send home some extra clothing, as it gives me too much trouble to take care of it. I have it already packed in readiness. Have had full accounts of the capture of No. 10, and partial accounts of the Pittsburg battle. The first days fight was a defeat—everything was reversed by the following day.

 

            We have an abundance of oysters—this creek (Cheeseman's) is alive with them, and at low tide hundreds of men wade in and get them—some with their close on and some otherwise.

 

            You are better informed through your papers, of things passing here, than I am or can be, hence I may be excused from trying to giving give anything as new.

 

            Am in most excellent health, and hope so to continue. Expect to break camp / soon, and take our position in Corps to which we belong (Heintzleman's).

 

                                                            Give love to all in Trenton

 

                                                                        Truly

                                                                                                M.S. Austin

                                                                                                            Com. Serg't

                                                                                                                        Fifth N.J.V.

Sunday night 9 o'clock—

                                                N.E. storm now prevailing—commenced last night. You probably have the true account of the firing we heard on the 17 to which I have before referred. It has continued up to the present hour. To-morrow, at 5 am, we are ordered to move to our new position. It may be delayed by the storm. It will be an advance of some three miles, from our present position, towards Yorktown. The First N.J. Brigade is at Ship Point. Have received Baltimore papers of yesterday. Three to four days (perhaps longer) will pass before Yorktown may be said to be thoroughly invested, and then, it is my impression, a large body of the Rebels will be captured. Three of Berdan's sharp shooters are said to have been taken to-day (by rebels) and hung. All calls, by drum, and musc by band, have been discontinued, for several days by order from Gen. M^cClellan.

 

                                                                        Truly yours,

                                                                                    M.S. Austin, C.S. Fifth N.J.V.

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