_Henrico County, Va.,
June 3, 1862._
Our army whipped the Yankees so badly on Saturday and Sunday (May
28-29) that there was no fighting yesterday. I believe, though, that
another fight is going on to-day, for I hear considerable cannonading,
and I saw a balloon up a short while ago.
On Sunday I was sent to Richmond to look after our sick and did not
return until late yesterday afternoon. While there I had an opportunity
to observe the shocking results of a battle, but, instead of increasing
my horror of a battlefield, it made me more anxious than ever to be in
a conflict and share its honors. To me every wounded man seemed covered
with glory.
Our casualties were certainly very great, for every house which could
be had was being filled with the wounded. Even the depots were being
filled with them and they came pouring into the hospitals by wagon
loads. Nearly all were covered with mud, as they had fought in a swamp
most of the time and lay out all night after being wounded. Many of
them were but slightly wounded, many others severely, large numbers
mortally, and some would die on the road from the battlefield. In every
direction the slightly wounded were seen with their arms in slings,
their heads tied up, or limping about. One man appeared as if he had
been entirely immersed in blood, yet he could walk. Those in the
hospitals had received severe flesh wounds or had bones broken, or some
vital part penetrated. They did not seem to suffer much and but few
ever groaned, but they will suffer when the reaction takes place. I saw
one little fellow whose thigh was broken. He was a mere child, but was
very cheerful.
Our brigade will move about four miles from here this evening. We
occupy the extreme left of Johnson’s army and may remain near here
for some time, but we cannot tell. Movements of war are very, very
uncertain.
_Camp near Richmond, Va.,
June 26, 1862._
I returned to camp on Monday because we expected to have a fight. Our
brigade was ordered away last night with two days’ rations, but I am
left behind with the sick. There are a great many sick men in the
hospitals and they are dying by the thousands. Our regiment has lost
about one hundred men since we came to Virginia.
The enemy threw shells all about our camp yesterday and killed two
horses, but only one man. It was a great day between our batteries and
those of the enemy. They fired all day long, but as it was all at long
taw little damage was done. I went out this morning to view the enemy,
and could see them and their breast-works very distinctly.
Since I began writing this letter I hear a terrific cannonading on
the left wing of our army, and I believe the battle has opened. I am
informed that General Jackson is about there and that a fight will
certainly take place this week.
You must be cheerful and take things easy, because I believe the war
will soon be ended.