1862 September 15 Camp of the Fourth Maine

             Camp of the Forth
   Maine Regt Sept 15th 62
Dear Cousin
                         once more
I find my self trying to
pen a few lines to you to let
you know that I am well
and hope that they will
find you all well and
[prospering  I expect that
they are drafting right smart
there now well I hope that
they will and send them
right along the more thy
get out here the better
for I think it is time
for the North to wake up
now if they are ever a goin
to.  well we have had some

[page 2]
Fighting here lately and
the rebs has got the best
of it untill the other day
the tide turned and we
cut them up like the
D____l and took Twenty five
Hundred prisoners and still
they are at it yet how
they are making to day I dont
know hut I shall know
to morrow I will send a
paper son and then you
can see for your self
two weeks ago to day we
went in to the field
with twenty two men and
came out with six that
is fighting there was not
only two kiled the rest
was wounded the Lieut is
in Rockland now he was
shot in the arm

[page 3]
      our General was shot
dead and I am a goin to
send his miniture to you
for you to keep for me
and dont you loose it
an take good care of it
as soon as I can get my
taken I will send it
to you we are rather bisy
at presant so that I cannot
get away to go enny whare
Alfred is well and send his
love to you  I had a letter
from Amarriah he is well they
hav had a little battle down
there our force drove them
well.  I will close for this
time this is from your
      Cousin
                      C W Hopkins
this is Gen Karney
my love to your self and all

Charles W. Hopkins, Co. B., 4th Maine

MSS 38-156