Bermuda Hundred Va May 18 1864

 

Dear Sister Harriet

 

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know how I am my health is good after 12 days hard fighting I never see such fighting in all my life the rebs was in a hundred yards of ows some of the time we took a good many breastworks from the rebs and then they came down on ows in a big force from Richmond and drow ows back in to our entrenchments about 8 miles / we retreated in very good order we lost a good many men we had a good many killed and wounded and some taken prisnores we had 3 men killed in our company 2 privates and 1 Lieutenant had 6 wounded Artmus Adams got wounded in his hand not a very bad wound that was the only from our way except 2 from Charlton one got hit in the shoulder and another in the hand Harriet I never was in such hard fighting in all my life when our regiment was laying down in an open field they was / a solid shot struck about 8 feet from me that come from the rebs If it had hit me it would tore me all to pieces I think I have got out of it very lucky so far dont you our regiment lost a good many men I tell you I suppose the reason rebs come down ows I think that Grant pressed them so hard that they had to retreat somewhers and so they came down ows but I think we can stand them a good fight behind this brestworks It will take a good force to drive ows out of this place I received / your letter last night I was very glad to hear from you I have an nother paper you sent me last but this other you sent me did Leyman say any thing about me I was very glad to see them boys I think William Thoms is doing well as I hope he will do well Send my love to Grandmother and mother to I think a greaddeal of you I am very thankfull to think I have got out of this fighting so safe I want you rite to me as often as you can and keep on sending some papers I think I shall get them all I send my love to you I must be a drawin to a close

 

this from your brother

S H Stevens

 

[top margin upside down]

 

have you got my discharge you you let me know it if serve.

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