1863: James Milton Alden to Alonzo Hall Quint

Charles H. Bickford (1841-1863) was 22 years old when he was killed at the Battle of Chancellorsville on 3 May 1863 while serving in Co. B, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. Charles was the son of Josiah Bickford (1821-1866) and Sylvia Jane Gleason (1821-Bef1860). As noted in the letter, Charles and his sister Georgianna Bickford (1852-1931) were living with their uncle, James Milton Alden (1808-1896), the husband of Anna Bickford (1810-1890), in Boston’s 1st Ward at the time of the 1860 US Census. Georgianna would later marry Cassius C. Hunt (1844-1914) in 1873.

James Alden wrote the letter to the chaplain of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, Rev. Alonzo Hall Quint, seeking particulars on Charles’ death at Chancellorsville and where he might be buried.

*I could not find an image of Charles H. Bickford in uniform but here is one of him when he was a young man. The picture was possessed by his sister Georgianna and is now in the Library of Congress.*

Transcription

*Rev. A. H. Quint, Chaplain, 2nd Mass. Regt., Stafford Court House, via Washington D. C.*

Boston [Massachusetts]
May 19, 1863

Rev. A. H. Quint
Dear sir,

My nephew Charles H. B. Bickford, Co. B, Massachusetts 2nd Regiment, is reported killed May 3rd. That is all I have been able to learn. I would be very thankful to you if you would write me the particulars if not too much trouble, where he was buried and whether by his friends or the Rebels. His father, Josiah Bickford is in the 41st Regiment. His sister, 11 years old, lives with me & so did Charles till he was old enough to go to work. Their mother not living, his little sister would as well as his aunts and myself be very much obliged if you would give us what information you can.

Address James Alden, care of T. C. Bacon & Co., Boston, Massachusetts

P. S. If the Captain of his company or someone would send his things by Express or any way to me, they would much oblige his sister. — J. A.