This letter was written by Richard Johnston Stough (1844-1926) who enlisted at the age of 18 on 28 July 1862 as a private in Co. K, 56th North Carolina Infantry. He was promoted to corporal in September 1863 and was with his regiment near New Bern when he participated in the 2nd Battle of Gum Swamp in May 1863. In this engagement, the 25th NC Regiment and the 56th NC Regiment were surprised and virtually surrounded by five Union regiments at Gum Swamp (Jones County); they were forced to fight their way out or flee into the swamp. More than 160 men of the 56th NC Regiment were captured but apparently Richard “took to the swamp through the mud and briars” and escaped.

Richard was taken prisoner of war on 25 March 1865 in the fight at Fort Stedman, Virginia, and was confined at Point Lookout, Maryland, until he took the Oath of Allegiance on 20 June 1865.

Richard wrote the letter to George B. Dewese (1843-1864), the son of John Allison Dewese (1811-1870) and Mary Ann Sloan (1819-1911) of Mecklenburg, North Carolina. George enlisted on 28 July 1862 at the age of 19 in Co. K, 56th North Carolina Infantry. He was absent sick from his company for two or three months in the spring of 1863 but was otherwise on duty until he was killed in the Battle of Globe Tavern (or 2nd Battle of Weldon Railroad) fought on 21 August 1864 south of Petersburg, Virginia.

Transcription

[Approximately 1 June 1863]

Gum Swamp satisfied my curiosity. I shot 4 times at the Yankees and missed every time I think. One thing I know, they—the Yankees—came in very close proximity to me. They seemed to be blind. I took the swamp through the mud and briars without thinking what was before, always looking behind.

George, give my respects to all that wants and accept a double portion yourself. Goodbye. Yours truly, — R. J. Stough

Do all you can for Dicie.