The following letter was written by Henry H. Folsom (1844-1911), the son of Sumner Folsom (1812-1893) and Eliza Sewall Lemont (1816-1894) of Fayette, Kennebec county, Maine. Henry entered his country’s service as the bugler of Co. L, 1st Maine Cavalry in November 1861. Service records indicate he was with his company throughout the war, mustering out at Petersburg, Virginia, in August 1865.

Henry mentions two of his younger brothers, Frank (b. 1846) and Freddie (b. 1852).

Transcription

Camp Stanton
Warrenton Junction, Virginia
May 11, 1862

Dear Father,

We are going away from here tomorrow morning, going to Fredericksburg. We went down to Culpeper Court House. Our company went first as skirmishers. We drove the rebel pickets in and took seven prisoners with their horses. I was with the skirmishers. We went into the town—twelve of us—and found there was one company of rebel cavalry. We run our horses in behind the rebels. We formed in line within 6 rods of them when they began to look about for a chance to retreat. In about 5 minutes they retreated and we right after them. Seven of them we got and 70 we did not get.

We took them to headquarters and found one of them was a spy that they had taken before and swore allegiance. They will hang him. They sent him to Washington.

I have been paid but not so much as I expected. I lost some things coming from Augusta. I dare not send any money for I have wrote three letters and have not got an answer yet. Give my love to Mother and Frank and Fred and tell them I shall be home soon. Tell Frank to write. From your son, — Henry H. Folsom

Camp Stanton, Virginia

Sumner Folsom

I am in a hurry or I would write more. Let me know whether you have got your pay or not.