The following letter was written by Thomas R. Petrie (1841-1923) of Fairfield, Herkimer county New York, who enlisted on 5 September 1862 when he was 21 years old to serve three years in Co. F, 152nd New York Infantry. He was quickly made a corporal and promoted to sergeant by April 1863 when this letter was penned from Suffolk, Virginia. He was later promoted to 1st Sergeant and was wounded in 1864.

When he enlisted, he was described as 5 foot 11 inch tall farmer with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was the son of Robert Petrie (1808-1873) and Margaret Harter (1816-1906) of Fairfield.

Images of this letter were provided to me for transcription by Michelene Johnson who informed me that her mother gave it to her many years ago. She thinks it was among several items purchased in an estate sale in Remsen, New York, back in the 1970’s. A photograph of a young Union soldier was with the letter but it is not labeled and she is uncertain if it was Thomas Petrie.

Two years ago I had the opportunity of transcribing four other letters by the same soldier. You can find them posted here—1863-65: Thomas Richard Petrie to Gertrude Emily Sanders.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Headquarters 152nd Regiment N. Y. S. V.
Suffolk, Virginia
April 24th 1863

My dearest friend,

At last we have got into Dixie in earnest and thinking you would perhaps like to hear from your friend, I sit down to write a few lines. You have doubtless heard before this that we have left Washington Tuesday night very unceremoniously and started for parts unknown. We took the boat and away we went down the river. As we passed by the 121st, 34th, and the rest of the Boys at the front, there was great excitement and curiosity among us to know where we were bound for. But time was to answer our questions.

After sailing 18 hours we landed at Norfolk. There we stayed about 12 hours. Then we took the cars for Suffolk where we now are. The cars that we came on were nothing but wool cars—nothing but stakes up to the sides. Don’t you think we had a pleasant ride of 23 miles on those platform cars? And to make our pleasure complete, it rained almost all the way. It is about 250 miles from here to Washington. We have now got so far away from home that I hardly expect to ever get back again.

There is about 60,000 of our men around this city inside of the fortifications and there is a great many more expected soon. About 5 miles from our lines is the Rebel General Longstreet with about 40,000 men. He says that he is going to make this place too hot for the Yankees. He will have a fine time of it if he tries it. There is a great battle expected here soon.

Our general’s name is Peck. Our pickets and the Reb’s pickets are within shooting distance of each other. they exchange papers with each other once in awhile.

Now a word about the appearance of things here. The country does not suit me any better than it did at and around Washington for all everything in the line of agriculture is far advanced of your place. Peach trees are in full bloom and flower gardens are numerous and in all their beauty. But when you’ve said all that can be said of the country and productions, then turn and look at the inhabitants. In the first place, there is but a few of them here although it is quite a large city and those that are here look as if they were sent for.

Well, Git [Gertrude], I am sorry to say that this will be the last time that I shall be able to inform you as to H[amilton] I. Hailes’ health as he was left in Washington in the hospital. Will D. Morey was also left with him. He was suddenly taken sick a few days before we left.

Last night our company stayed in an old barn and we are there at present. Hank and I are well as ever, hoping this may find you the same. Believe me to be as ever your most true and sincere and devoted friend. With love unmeasurable, — Thomas R. Petrie

Write soon. I have not had a letter in it sent to me a long time. They are calling and I must stop writing. Remember me as your friend, — Thomas

Saturday morning, April 25, as I did not send this yesterday, I thought I would write a few lines more this morning. Yesterday we came very near having a little engagement with the Rebs. We were held back as reserve and the other regiments done the fighting. We for once heard the sound of battle and saw the effects thereof.

Give my love to all enquiring friends and write soon. Yours truly, — R. P. Please excuse all imperfections, blots and bad writing. I am writing upon my knee—the soldier’s desk.