The following letters were written by Albert Luther Bartholomew (1838-1864), the son of Noah Bartholomew (1801-1871) and Mary Freeman (1802-1902). Albert wrote the letters to his brother, George “Kellam” Bartholomew (1833-1917), a graduate of Dartmouth College, and residing in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was employed as a professor.

Albert was living at home with his parents in Hartford, Windsor county, Vermont, when he enlisted on 17 September 1861 to serve in Co. F, 3rd Vermont Infantry. He was first wounded on 29 May 1862—the nature and cause of his injury is not stated in the muster rolls. He was severely wounded in the leg on 5 June 1864 at Cold Harbor, necessitating amputation, but died three weeks later at the Armory Square Hospital in Washington D. C. on 28 June 1864.

Letter 1

Camp Advance, Va.
October 6th, 1861

Dear Brother,

Have you heard that I was in the land of Dixie? If not, I’ll tell you that I have at last arrived safe and sound among the hills and masked batteries of Old Virginia. Our location is on an inclined slope both from the quarters of Gen. Smith and one mile west from Chain Bridge. The other Vermont regiments are stationed nearby.

Albert Wolcott I have seen several times, and Eleazer too, who came out in the 4th. He seems to stand it very well. Had a fit when he was in Washington, however. We, the 3rd, are appointed skirmishers and general scouting parties—the most dangerous position we could be placed in, at least so considered by military men. I think more fighting will be done in that way than any other. I have once seen Maj. Gen. McClellan since I have been here. He is a keen looking fellow, I tell you, and Gen. Smith is not far behind the times.

An immense deal of sickness prevails in the regiments that compose this Brigade. There is already one more than the hospital will accommodate in this regiment very sick and several in camp, even in this company, who are unfit for duty.

No Sunday is known here. The soldiers are at work that day as much as any other. I have been obliged to be very busy both Sundays I have been here until today. We are not sworn in to the service yet. As there was only ten of us, they have put it off till such time as more recruits should arrive to fill out the regiment. Consequently, we have thus far escaped very hard duty.

About 20 of our company are detailed for picket guard every day, to leave every morning at 2.30 o’clock a.m., returning the next morning about 7. This makes it pretty hard for the Boys, besides their regular drill which comes four times each day, This is what is called the skirmish drill. The orders all being given by the sound of the bugle. We know no such thing as right or left face, even by word of mouth. I have not drilled any after this style yet. We had very cold nights when I first came here so that with nothing but one blanket, we suffered from cold. When the days would be warm now, the weather is as warm as in Vermont when we are in the midst of the hay season.

My health is good as could be expected, rather lame, and lazy of the [ ] but I hope to be able to endure hardship as a good soldier. Should like to step in and spend a few hours with you today but like and dislikes are not for war. My move to Lizzie and all the other friends. I have not seen a full-blooded Rebel yet but presume I may when I go in picket as they have been seen within two miles of here within a few days.

Write son and direct to Camp Advance, Vermont 3rd Regiment, Company H. Yours affectionately, — A. L. Bartholomew

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Letter 2

Carver [General] Hospital
Meridian Hill
Washington D. C.
August 5th 1862

Dear Brother,

I wrote you some days ago but as I have since had an interview with our head doctor [Phineas Sanborn] Conner, I thought I would give you an account of it. Yesterday my attending Surgeon Dr. Russell informed me that Dr. Conner would like to see me at his office during the afternoon. Accordingly, I called on him about 7 p.m. As soon as he saw me he says, “Is your name Bartholomew?” I told him that it was. He then told me that he had had a letter from Wadworth enquiring for me as to my wound, health, etc. saying that my friends were very much concerned about me. I told him I did not see how that could be as I had written them that I was doing well, was sick when I came here, and do not feel very well today, but I’ve never given anyone of the family to understand that I was dangerously wounded by any means. Instead, that I should get round in a short time. He told me that they had got hold of it some way and requested that I should write them immediately, so by tomorrow’s mail, a letter will go to you and our friends at home. (Heaven bless them all.)

The Dr. also told me of his acquaintance with you and of his being at Portsmouth at sometime with you and Wadsworth. Now what I propose is this—that you write to Wadsworth by return mail and have him use his influence with Conner to get me detailed on [ ] duty, here, somewhere, as it would not be so hard for me and I don’t think I could stand it being well if I should go back to the regiment soon as I shall have to do and can do it any time before long provided I do not get a [ ] here. Just have him recommend me as Ward Master. You know I am a pretty good nurse.

Then Wadworth can consult with the Dr. and if there is an opening, I think I will get it as I have friends here now. I dislike the idea of going back there again at present as I have so many sick days while here I can look out for No. 1 better. Just do me the favor to write Wadsworth and get him interested and I pledge you that anything they may do by way of helping me, they shall not have cause to regret.

It is so [ ] that I cannot write more and my sheet is full too. So excuse me this time. Give my love to Lizzie when you write her and tell her she must hurry up and get well. Love to all. Yours affectionately, — Albert