This letter was written by George Oliver Jewett (1837-1929), the son of saddler Oliver Jewett (1805-1873) and Elizabeth Underwood Hubbard (1809-1894) of Chelsea, Suffolk county, Massachusetts. George first entered the service as a corporal in the 1st Massachusetts. He later enlisted in March 1862 as a corporal in Co. H, but was eventually promoted to sergeant in Co. D. of the 17th Massachusetts Infantry. He mustered out in February 1864 and was transferred into Co. H, 13th Veteran Reserve Corps where he served until May 1865.

George’s letter describes his first arrival in New Bern, North Carolina, where he was assumed the duties of a sergeant in Co. D.

See also—1862: George Oliver Jewett to Elizabeth Underwood (Hubbard) Jewett on Spared & Shared 18.

Transcription

Jackson’s House
Trent Road 6 miles from Newbern, N. C.
May 11, 1862

Dear Father,

I have been three days in camp, having arrived last Thursday afternoon. The Captain, Lieut. Cheever and Lt. Fellows were very glad to see me as well as all the rest of the Chelsea fellows. We arrived at Newbern Wednesday evening at about 7 o’clock and anchored in the stream where we remained all night. The next morning we landed and had to remain in the city about four hours while Lieut. Poor ascertained where our reg’t was stationed. I could not see much of the city as there is a patrol all the time which allows nobody in the streets without a pass, but as far as I saw, it is an extremely pretty place. The streets are rather narrow but they are all shaded by trees on both sides of the way, and forming an arch over the middle of the street which has a fine effect.

Our regiment was found to be about six miles from town, doing picket duty, having been drawn in about 6 miles the day before. They were 14 miles from town a few days ago, but were relieved by the 103 New York Regiment (all dutchmen). My position as sergeant was all ready for me when I arrived and Lieut. Cheever told me to just do my best, and he should not be surprised at all if I obtained a commission—especially as there would probably be a change soon in the regiment which would affect our company.

After it was ascertained where we were to go, we left our knapsacks and other packages at the brigade headquarters in Newbern and marched to camp, passing through numerous encampments, munching our hard bread all the way. On our route we passed a few houses (there are not many in this region), one of which was empty. It belonged to “secesh” so we went in and examined “a few.” There was nothing in the house but a piano all smashed to pieces by some person or persons unknown. We went into the garden and picked a few strawberries and a few roses, after which we trotted on. About 2 miles further on we stopped [at] a house where there was on old lady and her daughter who were civil but didn’t say much to us as they were “secesh,” the daughter’s husband being in the rebel army. Most all the people about here are “secesh.”

A little way further up we met two darkies who were going to run away from us but we told them to “halt” and they did, and when we came up, they were very much frightened. We told them not to be scared as we were Union soldiers upon which they were joyful and said “dey bressed de Lord, dey tho’t we was secesh.” We gave them some biscuit and they went on their way rejoicing and so did we. We got into camp about 4 o’clock pretty tired more on account of the hot sun than the distance.

My company was on picket a few days before I came and had one man captured but today he came back. Why he was sent back, nobody can conjecture unless on the reason of his extensive stomach and of his being constitutionally tired.

Yesterday, Co. H Capt. L. Lloyd went out on a scouting expedition across the Trent River and while crossing, three men were drowned. Their bodies were recovered and brought in last night. There has been considerable anxiety about Co H as they did not return last night so they sent Cos. F and K to find them, but as I am writing, some of Co K’s men have come in and say Co. H is safe and coming along with two prisoners and some muskets.

One of the recruits who came on with me had his one of fingers shot off this morning accidentally. He belonged to Co. F.

The country about here is covered with forest, every tree which contains some kind of pitch, rosin, or other sticky substances. Our camp looks very pretty. The different companies have laid out trees in their company streets so it looks nice and clean. I would like to have you send word to me if Billy Jones has been paid or not ($100). I shall not get paid off for 2 months to come so I shall become quite used to being penniless, but I suppose there’s a good time coming. But I should like a little money to get my flannels washed once in a while, but I suppose I must grin and bear it. I am very well indeed and am always anxious for meal time as I have quite an appetite which I never had at all while I was in the First [Massachusetts].

We go on picket next Wednesday as it comes our turn. I shall now close this epistle and send my love to all the folks and want them to write all – and tell me all the news, and send us papers now and then for Heaven’s sake. My directions is Sergt. George O. Jewett Co. D, 17th Mass Reg’t Vols., Burnside Division, Newbern, N. C.

Please send some letter stamps. — George