The following letter was written by Ellis Tinkham Lamberton (1843-1885) of Pomfret, Windsor county, Vermont, who enlisted as a private in Co. G, 16th Vermont Infantry (a 9-months unit) on 4 September 1862. He mustered out of the regiment on 10 August 1863 but later, in August 1864, reenlisted as a Sergeant Major in Co. G, 107th US Colored Troop Infantry and left the service in June 1867 as 1st Lieutenant of Co. K. He married Emma Packard Thurston (1846-1933) in 1872.

Ellis wrote the letter to Augusta (King) Colburn, the wife of Humphrey Wood Colburn (1830-1909) who served in the same company as Ellis. Humphrey was discharged for disability—presumably on account of the wound mentioned in this letter—-on 20 January 1863. Humphrey and Augusta were married on 4 July 1855 in Norfolk, Massachusetts. His parents were Amos Colburn (1785-1830) and Ruth Wood (1796-1834).

Those familiar with the Battle of Gettysburg will recall it was the 16th Vermont that counterattacked the Confederate assault on the afternoon of July 2nd, and then performed brilliantly on July 3rd when they swung out from the Federal line on Cemetery Ridge to attack the flank of Perry’s Florida Brigade during Pickett’s Charge.

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

Camp Vermont
December 5, 1862

Dear Friend Augusta,

You don’t seem to answer my letters very well—perhaps I don’t make them worth answering. I’m going to keep writing, however, until I hear from you someway. I have concluded if the girls were only here, soldiering wouldn’t be at all hard to take. It may be different when we come o march and fight next spring. We are going to stay here this winter, probably, and most if us will send home for a box next week. H. says we are getting short of money and wants you to get that of Montague to be ready for him there, Also, don’t let anybody have the sleigh. Also, don’t go up to Capt. King’s to sew—not a bit! Also, send your miniature and Em’s too, as soon as you can—probably means that for me. That’s all from him. Now, E. T. L. would put in a word. Be a good girl. Give my love to Em and Emmie. Kiss Ed’s “baby” for me. Yours truly, — Lamberton

Just as we were sitting down to table. Our thanksgiving yesterday was roast beef, molasses and bread, and probably tasted as good as any supper in Vermont did. We have enough to eat now and as far as I can [writing hidden by tear in paper]. If you can’t do a letter, just copy off a verse or two of scripture—or anything else.

I have the honor to report that your man is doing splendidly. The surgeon dressed the wound day before yesterday and said it looked much better than he thought it would. I am surprised that such a wound should trouble him so little.

It rains tonight but our huts are as warm and dry as need be, and we five fellows are having an uproarious time—that is, we are happy and jolly. The cigars you sent came last night. The cheese tonight, just in season for supper.