The following letter was written by Joseph Henry Peters Fiske (1843-1870), the son of Franklin Fiske (1804-1868) and Hannah Peters (1801-Aft1868) of Lexington, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He enlisted on 13 June 1861 at Lexington, Massachusetts in Co. G, 11th Massachusetts, at the same time as his older brother Charles Albert Bowers Fiske (1842-1910) who served in Co. K. Joseph was discharged for disability on 20 May 1863. The Register of Enlistments informs us that Joseph died in February 1870 and that he suffered from rheumatism.

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

Chicamuxen, Maryland
March 9, 1862

Dear Father & Mother,

I received your letter dated the 6th and was glad to hear that you was well. I did not want the box sent until after pay day, dear Mother, because I knew that you could not get the things without money to buy them with.

I am in the hospital now with a broken ankle. There is only one small bone broke on the inside. It was done fooling with one of our company. He threw [me] down and bent my ankle under me and snapped a bone. I am getting along pretty well now. I have been in here four days now. The doctor set it the same day it was broke. I guess I will get out in about a month.

The rebels have evacuated the batteries across the Potomac. They burnt everything before they left. The rumor is that Heintzelman attacked them on the right. The stars and stripes wave on the batteries where the rebel flag once waved. The first regiment has crossed over and ours will go, I think, before many days. But I will not be certain about our regiment going over. Perhaps they will stay here until the war is over. I can’t tell.

Charles is very well. He wrote a letter yesterday to you. I suppose you will get it before this one. He said he mentioned me in it and told about my ankle being broken. Don’t you worry about me, dear Mother, will you? for I will get well before a great while. I am a going to try to get a furlough for thirty days after my ankle gets better. I am very well except my ankle. All soldiers are entitled to a furlough after they have been in the service six months. I have been in the service pretty near nine months now.

How are all the folks up there? Charlie got a letter from Timothy the other day. As I can think of no more to write, I will bid you goodbye. From your affectionate son, Joseph H. Fiske

To Franklin & Hannah Fiske

Write soon.