1862 May 5 off Yorktown, Va.

[letter of Hiram Cash of the 5th Maine begun on May 4 continues]

May 5  This morning we started as
soon as it was light and in one
hours time we arrived at
Yorktown where the rebels lately
left it is a strongly fortified place

[page 3]
and many of their guns
are still in their places all in
plain sight of us some of the fortifi
cations are still standing that
were built when Gen. Washington
was in command of the army I
think we may now look for a speedy
close of the war our army is after
the flying rebels and are taking
large numbers of prisoners every day
McClellan has been doing his work
sloe but sure. I should like to go on
shore here but I do not expect we
shall get a chance to do so.  It is
quite cold and stormy here to
day we have some hot days but
very cold nights. We are expecting
to be paid soon we have been mus
tered, and are looking for the pay
rolls soon I want to hear if you
get that money that I sent last
Tell John A. Hodsdon I am all right
and hope in a short time to
see him

[page 4
The 13th of this month will
be just one year since
I enlisted, the time has seemed
short to me but I have no doubt
it has been long to you I think
now we shall soon be on our
return home wearing the crown
pf a victorious army.  I have no
particular news to write I want
you to write all the news there is
any thing will be news to me
The health of this Regt is good,
some few have had colds I have
had a bad cold but I am quite
smart now I am as well
otherways as I ever was in my
life as I have no more news
I will close
From your son
Hiram M. Cash


MSS 12916