1862 May 8 Camp Near Chickahominy

Camp Near Chickahominy
May 8th 1862
My Dear Creek
I take the first oppertunity[sic]
of letting you know that I have come
through another hard fought Battle
all safe it was fought at Williamsburg
on the 5th. I cannot give you any
particulars of the fight at present as
I have not time, and my eyes are
almost closing for want of sleep now,
having marched all night and cannot
say that I have known what sleep is for
4 days and nights, we gave the yanke[e]s
a good thrashing, but could not stay
to reap all of the benifits[sic] that might
have been derived from the victory for
reasons which I will explain at some
other time, I need not tell you who

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was killed and wounded as major
Whitner has a list of them with him
and will let you all know.  William
is also safe and well having fought
all through the Battle, it was not
a Big Battle, but probably the
Bloodiest one for the numbers
engaged that has yet been fought, our
men fought like men determined
to conquer or die.
Give my love to all Kiss little Maggie
for me, and believe me ever your
affectionate
Husband William
I will write you as soon as we
arrive at Richmond or some other
place where I have a chance

William Anderson of the Palmetto Sharpshooters was elected major of the 4th S.C. Infantry on April 16, 1862


MSS 10366