June 13th / 62
Dear Uncle
I recd a letter
from you while in camp
before Yorktown, and have
many a time since then
determined to answer it
but have not as yet had
the time. About a week
since I got another from
you and as it is a good
chance to write now I im-
prove it. We are now en
[page 2]
camped near the railroad
where the fight took place
on Sunday. Our regiment
(I suppose you are aware) was
not in the fight although
ready and waiting. Our
division, and part of
our brigade (the 7th Mich
and 20th Mass) did good
service completely routing
the rebels. We were marched
to the battlefield, and
then sent back as we
had had no orders from
our Gen. Sedgwick. The
day we got here (Sunday
night) the ground was
completely covered with
dead men, horses, broken
guns, equipments, knap
sacks, canteens, overcoats,
and many other articles
of war. It was sickening
[page 3]
to see the fields of dead
in every direction, ghastly
and pale, and some
of them having lain
in the sun and rain
the stench was horrible.
Ditches were dug and
they were thrown in
to it and that was
the last of those poor
fellows. The rebels are
shelling us quite lively
this morning, trying to
feel our batteries but we
have kept still until
a few minutes ago but
are now giving them fits.
We do not mind this
sport at all now as it
has grown old and we
used to the sound.
We have very little peace
now as we have to fall
[page 4]
in every time the pickets fire
or any alarm. We do not
dare hardly to wash ourselves.
Working parties are out
all the time digging
entrenchments and works
and I expect we shall have
to go pretty soon so I
must hurry up. Give me
love to Aunt Susan
Louise Miss Puckins[?] and
all inquiring friends, re
serving a very large share
yourself. Excuse this and believe
me. Your Affec. Nephew
George O. Brown
P.S. You must excuse
this uninteresting
letter and I will
endeavor to answer
your next more prompt
ly. George
MSS 38-348
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