Box 1

Travelled six days by boat and train via Potomac River. As a buildup of federal forces ensued, the rebels are three miles across the river.

The letter is being written while he is in a rifle pit. He says 64,000 federal reinforcements have arrived. There has been constant artillery shelling and Stuart’s cavalry was repelled.

Shelling goes on daily with the rebels defending Petersburg. His division had not been in active fighting since June 22. The railroad leading to Petersburg has been destroyed. He believes the rebels will surely give up soon.

He is on a Provost Marshall guard detail. Federal forces are tearing up the Weldon Railroad. He has some urinary health problems. He saw 200 rebel prisoners the day before. Two barges exploded and some 80 soldiers were killed.

There was fighting near Hatcher’s Run. The troops hope to be in Petersburg soon. The ground is frozen.

His corps is now in reserve, and is building houses for shelter near the earthworks around Petersburg.

Soldiers throw away coats, blankets, and other clothing when going to battle. Some of it is recovered, but not often. He expects to be home within a year.

He has been trying to get information on one-horse mowers.

No fighting today, but whipped the rebels yesterday. He thinks troops will move out tomorrow with Sheridan. The Court-Martial President was shot in the leg yesterday.

Marched hard for three days from Appomattox Court House, and then heard news of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. He is furious and hopes vengeance will be swift on those responsible. He has not changed clothes in three weeks.