Wednesday, May 23, 2012

1862 May 24 Camp Curtin opposite. Fredericksburg Va

Camp Curtin oppo Fredricksburg Va
May 24th /62

Dear Sam
Yours of the 15th was duly rec'd
I thought you were dead or something else-
probably the latter on account of not having heard
from you for so long--at length your epistle
arrives & I find you are still in the land
of the living--although somewhat behind the
age-which the address on the envelope proves
it reading Orderly Sergeant G. E. W. whereas
that individual should be addressed as
Lieutenent G.E.W. having been promoted to
that dignified position on the 1st of May, in
consequence of the resignation of Capt. Fair-
lamb--he having resigned on account of ill
health--being afflicted with an affectation
of the left lung--poor man may he rest in
peace in the quiet city of brotherly love--
Since I last wrote you we have been knocked
about like a ball in a game of shinney--we
left Camp Kelly near Washington--& occupied for
a short time two camps outside of Alexandria
named respectively--Starvation & Reliance
after which we one bright morning steamed
down the Potomac --& passing Mount Vernon, Th


[page 2]
Washington & other interesting localities--we
landed at Acquia Creek, that renowned place
for Rebel batteries--it lies about 50 miles
South of Washington & the bluffs in the neigh-
-borhood are well calculated as places for Forts
& Batteries--as soon as we landed we met
familiar faces & a camp near the landing proved
to be that of the 90th (National Guards) P. V. all
hands were glad to meet--after lounging in
the neighborhood for some time we struck into
the woods & finally camped all night in the
open air some distance from the river, we re-
-mained about 48 hours, then took up our line
of march for the Rappahannock--& here we are--
ready & willing for anything--we will probably
move to-morrow--at least there is every prospect--
then we will make a straight cut for Rich-
-mond-- & everybody knows when the 88th gets
there-it must fall--
Capt. Fairlamb- after being a pauper on the Govern
-ment for about eight months resigned on
the 1st of May--Louis was made Capt. 2nd
Lieut Fairlamb (-a fair representative of the old man)
1st Lieut--& your humble servant 2nd Lieut.
We are encamped about a half a mile from the
Rappahannock--& have a fair view of Fredricks-
burgh--which is on the other side--I was over
in town on Thursday--& went nearly through

[page 3]
it--it ain't of much account, negroes are the
principal population--any white person that
one chanced to meet, cast looks of hatred on
those d_____d Yankees- (as we are called down yare)
who dared invade the sacred soil--that vast
cemetery--(as some Southern Orator has it) where shall
be buried all those  hirelings who dare strike
against their fancied freedom--however
looks won't hurt us any, as long as they
continue to run wherever our troops make their
appearance--
We are in Genl. Rickett's Brigade, Genl. Ord's
Division, the former was Capt. of a Battery at the
Bull Run fight & was taken a prisoner to Rich-
-mond & promoted on his return--Genl. Ord-you
know gained his celebrity at Drainesville--
Our brigade consist of the 26th & 94th N.Y.
& 88th & 90th Pa. Regiments--our Division of two
Brigades of Infantry, one Regiment of Cavalry
& three batterries--
Genl. McCall's Division is encamped a short
distance from us, & with the arrival of Genl. Shields
Division creates quiet[sic] an excitement--as in both
are many Philadelphians---
There seem to be a great many changes
at 133---long may you all prosper--Thanks
for the extracts in regard to Capt. Hodgdon's death
I saw them some time ago--

[page 4]
That trip to Schuykill Co. was a big thing
on the Gray Reserves--they showed their gallantry
in that Fort Melon attack--
I quiet[sic] forgot to say that old Abe was down here
yesterday--reviewing our Division -- he looks
well--Secretary Stanton & Genl. McDowell
were also present.
We have just received orders to report all
those not able to march--as they will be left
behind--this looks like moving--
Much obliged for your offer to send papers--
but its no use, mails are very irregular &
documents sometimes never come to hand--
I must now close--give my respects to
Inquiring Friends--
Yrs truly
Geo. E. Wagner

George E. Wagner, 1841-1904, an officer of the 88th Pennsylvania later became Colonel of the 8th United States Colored Troops


MSS 11174



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.