1862 July 7 Richmond, Va.

Richmond July 7th

Dear Cousin Meade  [David Meade Bernard]
We have fought &
won in the great battle before the
Capital we have pursued the enemy
to the James where he has made a
stand under cover of the gunboats,
their next position I don't know, but
think McClellan will await reinforce=
ments if  he can hold his present
position.  The Ebenzer Greys behaved
well under fire, our brigade (Pickets)
was brought into action about 5 P.M.
was ordered to drive the Yanks from
their breastworks after two other brig=
ades had failed in the attempt, their
position was so strong, they were con=
cealed behind their breastworks in
a thickly wooded branch about
30 yds wide; whilst we had a field

[page 2]
to traverse about a mile wide, exposed
to a raking fire from two batteries beside
that from the infantry, nevertheless we
charged & drove them in confusion from
their stronghold,and on the opposite
side took a batter and about 600 prisoners
slept on the battle field and renewed
the pursuit the next morning.
I will now mention the casualties in
our company first Capt. B. C. Jones was
severely wounded in the knee, that limb
was amputated just above, he is doing
well, I was detailed to take him up to
Richmond and to nurse him, we had the
good fortune to get to a private house
through the influence of Dr. Smith of
Brunswick who brought also his friend
Lt. Sam: Hardy of Notoway who lost
his arm in the same fight. We had
several more wounded of Com E. but not
seriously, am surprised that any of us
escaped with out lives, I believe we were
held by the hand of Providence.

[page 3]
Yesterday evening we left the sick room and
walked down the street to the American
hotel to find probably an old friend
and who should it be but George B.
with several other old acquaintances
from Petersburg all wourn[sic] out and
going back to recruit; George is looking
badly but I think a short stay in
Petersburg will cure  him completely,
he sends his love and says he would
go to Orange but cannot get transporta-
tion conveniently, and the trip was too
long for him just now, he has been
through three battles without a scratch,
is not anxious to be in another unless
his duty calls him there: I agree exactly
with him; for fighting is the hardest work
I ever did, and you know I am opposed
to work, therefore object to fighting.
The names of those friends I will give
as you know most of them, Wilcox Brown
William Lee, Willie Hinton, Tom Branch,
and Austin Maclin, formerly from Greensville

[page 4]
They all go over to Petersburg to day.
Meade has just returned to his regiment
having been sick in Petersburg, George
says he is looking well.
We are in great doubt as to what
will next turn up but trust that Mc:
clellan will be forced to evacuate Va
soil soon.  Jackson has returned to the
valley, I hope for a good purpose.
We are staying at Mr. O. F. Weisiger's
have every want supplied and are treated
as kindly as we could wish, he has 3
very nice daughters. I shall have to be
very cautious or my heart will slip away.
Give my best love to cousin Nannie.
Dick Tommy and Willie, write very soon
to me, direct to care of O. F. Weisiger
I shall be here a week yet I reckon.
I saw cousin  Andrew and George Field
several days since, Ma & all are well.
     Your affect cousin
                    Richard Feild
P.S. I use a Yankee envelope.  I have a Yankee gun
cartridge box and several other trophies


                                        R. F.



Richard Feild,  Co.E, 56th Virginia Infantry (Ebenezer Grays)

MSS 7745