This letter was written by Henry Clay Ford (1841-1915), the son of Isaac Ford of Franklin, Delaware county, New York. Henry was only five years old when his father was killed in an accident and his mother died when he was eight. He was then raised by his uncle Sullard who raised him and apprenticed him in the printer’s trade.

Henry volunteered on 21 May 1861 at the age of 19 in Co. I, 72nd New York Infantry—part of the famous Sickle’s Brigade. He was made a corporal when he mustered in and then was promoted to sergeant on 25 September 1862. He was first wounded at Chancellorsville where a bullet cut a furrow through his scalp. He was wounded again at Mine Run when he caught another bullet in the calf of his leg. But in the Battle of Cold Harbor he was struck four times which resulted in a long hospital stay that ended with his discharge for disability on 10 September 1864. [Source: Missouri Valley Times, 24 June 1915]

Henry wrote this letter to his uncle, Joseph A. Sullard (1796-Aft1870) and aunt, Lydia (Sterling) Sullard of Franklin, New York. After the war, Henry relocated to Iowa where he entered the newspaper publishing business.

Transcription

Alexandria, Virginia
October 21st [1862]

Kind Uncle & Aunt,

As I have not written you in some time, I will improve the present in writing you a few lines.

I presume you are aware we are now located about one mile from “Alexandria,” and are having quite a rest and a pleasant time. Every Sabbath some of us attend church in the “City.” I have been every Sunday but two—was then on Picket so that I could not. Last Sunday attend[ed] the Catholic Episcopal, which was quite amusing, although all appeared devout. As a general thing, I attend the Presbyterian. A very fine man by the name of “Lemmon” is the pastor.

The Delaware County Regiment has arrived in Washington and gone into camp on Arlington Heights and last Thursday I went over to see them, some five miles distant, and I had a fine time. It really seemed like home—so many that I knew. They are all well and seem to want to have a brush with Secesh, which will be somewhat cooled down by the time they have been in 8 pitched battles as I have. 

I will tell you what battles the Sickles’ Brigade have been in, and you can judge whether we have done anything or not. 

The Battle of Williamsburg, May 5th, losing 750 men killed and wounded. Next week was in the battle of Bottoms Bridge. Our next fight was Fair Oaks, June first, where our Brigade gained the ground two Divisions could not hold. We staid here four weeks and not a day but we lost men. Our picket lines were close together and if one showed his head, bang went a gun.

Then came the retreat and Seven Days fight. Here we drove them at Savage Station, next day at Willis Church, where for 6 hours the carnage was awful and all night the groans was heart rending. Our next battle was at Malvern Hill—one of the worst battles of the war. Here we lost heavy. This ended our fighting on the Peninsula. Our next fights were at Bristoe Station, Bull Run Mountain, and Fairfax, which last battle our entire Brigade, when they came out no less than 900 men out of 4,500 in May last. But I think we shall not do much fighting till next summer and then, if the war is not over, we will all do what we can to stop it.

But my sheet is nearly full and I will close hoping it will find you well and that you will answer soon. I will close.

The Delaware Regiment is the finest looking lot of men I have seen together and they will make their mark sure.  — Corp. H. C. Ford    

James Way came back to camp and stayed over night with me.