Box 1

May 8, 1864, Yorktown VA. They were in combat the day before, and Fogel and his friends are all fine. They had taken up some railroad, and retreated after the fighting, with several men wounded.

May 21, 1864, Yorktown VA. Letters from his wife take about a month to reach Fogel. He hopes he will survive any battles to return to her and the children.

May 27, 1864, Yorktown VA. They have been as close as 300 yards to the rebel lines. There has been no gunfire by either side. A rebel soldier came over one day and newspapers were exchanged. He added a note on May 28th that his unit moved two miles. His rations vary from fresh beef or pork, with bread or hard tack, and beans or potatoes. They discuss the naming of a baby.

June 25, 1864, Near Petersburg, VA. The unit moved eight miles to the front at Petersburg. About 300 men of both sides were killed between the lines, but bodies remain there and smell bad. The lines are under a lot of fire, and rebels charge the union lines in evenings. George is in the hospital for sickness.

July 14, 1864, Near Petersburg, VA. George is well and wants to return to the company. Hostaff was wounded but died on July 11. He discusses farm business with his wife involving horses, cows, and getting deeds for the land.

July 29, 1864, Camp Near Petersburg, VA. George is at the hospital helping tend to the sick. Joel adds a not that he likes shooting at rebels, but they also shoot back. Fogel discusses farm business with his wife, including lumber and crops.

August 4, 1864, Near Petersburg, VA. George is back at the company, and Stirl also came back. He comments on news from home about many friends. “Uncle Ben” has been drafted. He discusses many farm matters with his wife including land, crops, money, and lumber.

August 23, 1864, Near Hampton, VA. Fogel’s wound is getting along well at the Hampton Hospital. Joel is helping tend to the wounded. He hopes to be sent north but has heard that the regiment is sent back in front of Petersburg. He is not getting enough to eat.

August 27, 1864, Hampton, VA. Fogel understands that wounded soldiers are to be sent to Connecticut where the regimental headquarters is. He had hoped to be sent home instead.

September 30, 1864, Saterlee Hospital, Philadelphia. Fogel’s wound is healing up, and he is getting enough to eat. He hears that the 18th corps is moving toward Richmond. He hopes to send money home.