Description

Description: In his Dec 8, 1862, 4-page letter, Pvt. Edwin Y. Brown (1st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers) writes to his brother Will in detail about his regiment’s movements and the conditions of the army. He reassures him that he is not starved.

After a week at Wolf’s Shoal Yard on the Occoquan creek, the regiment moves closer to Fredericksburg, where they await their next move. A “narrow river of some two hundred yards” separates their picket from that of the rebels, and “the two contending parties are quite sociable, though it makes [their] men quite jealous to see the rebel soldiers troting [sic] about the town with the Secesh girls.” He thoughtfully adds, “Although we are so near town it will take hard fighting and the lives of many men before we are in possession of it, but I hardly think such an attempt will be made at least for some time. Yet, I should rather think by the way the government is trying to clothe us up that another trip to the Peninsula or some other out of the way place . . .,” or that they were going to winter down. Not all the soldiers are as fortunate as his regiment. He has “seen men marching with their feet tied up in pieces of blanket for want of shoes and the remainder of their clothes corresponding.” He has the “greatest trouble” sleeping in the shelter tents over ground covered in snow, as the cold makes his “shoulder ache worse . . .” He fondly reminds his brother to attend school regularly as he has “much room for improvement in his studies.” He asks for a few one-cent stamps. Signed, “I remain your ever loving brother, Edwin”

Signed and written in pencil on 8” x 5” ivory laid paper. Item #AM00373

Condition: Scattered soil, but writing is legible and clear.  Generally in good condition.