The following letters were written by John “Emerson” Anderson (1833-1896), a boot maker and the son of John May and Parney (Hastings) Anderson of Oakdale, Worcester county, Massachusetts. Emerson enlisted on 25 May 1861 as a private in Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. He was taken prisoner on 24 May 1862 during the battle of Winchester but was paroled in June 1862 and promoted to sergeant, mustering out of the regiment in mid-July 1865. The 2nd Mass Vols. participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, March to the Sea, Savannah, and others.
Emerson’s regiment marched to Washington, D.C. in mid-1861. In a letter from September 8, 1861, he hopefully told his parents: “There seems to prevail the opinion that the war soon be ended and we permitted to go to our homes, certainly our prospect looks bright at the present…” Unfortunately, the war would not end until 1865. Many of John’s letters to his family involved his descriptions of day-to-day life in military camps; he describes being a “silent spectator” as his fellow soldiers gamble, drink, and fight, and he comments on the demoralization of the soldiers as the Confederacy continued to withstand major assaults: “I am not anxious to fight—that is—not over-anxious to expose myself to the enemies bullets—but if we could go into battle today, or soon, I should feel a strong inclination to conquer or die…we need a victory now and must have it soon.”
Emerson’s regiment marched to Atlanta, GA in 1863, where he and his companions camped outside the city while more and more Union armies surrounded it. The 2nd Massacusetts Infantry was the extreme right flank at Gettysburg and engaged in fighting on July 3, 1863. He wrote to his parents: “Sometimes too I feel that I would like to sit by mother, and father in that quiet little room away from the noise and confusion here…as far as my knowledge goes I am convinced that we are slowly tightening our chain of armies around the enemies making it harder every day for him to hurl us back—each charge being but another slaughter to add to the list of casualties…” The Union eventually captured and occupied Atlanta, and Emerson’s regiment took part.
Thankfully, the war finally ended, but Emerson found it difficult to rejoice once he heard about the death of President Abraham Lincoln: “I thought I would drop you a few lines though I do not feel like writing. We seem to be on the eve of peace. Lee has surrendered to Grant and Johnston to Sherman. About an hour ago a report came to camp that President Lincoln has been assassinated. I do not know what to do. I would like to rejoice that peace is ours. I cannot now. I will wait till my mind is settled.”
Over the years I have transcribed and published a number of letters on Spared & Shared written by members of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. These include:
Unidentified, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Amos Perley Burnham, Co. C, 2nd Massachusetts (2 Letters)
William Foster Morgan, Co. C, 2nd Massachusetts (5 Letters)
David J. Orne, Co. D, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
John Holmes Newcomb, Co. E, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Malcom G. Kittredge, Co. G, 2nd Massachusetts (2 Letters)
William Nutt, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Horace F. Nason, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Everett Wilson Pattison, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
William Edward Perkins, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
William Edward Perkins, Co. I. 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
George H. Willis, Co. I, 2nd Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Moses Webber, Co. K, 2nd Massachusetts (2 Letters)
Letter 1
Camp Andrew
May 24, 1861
My dear Parents,
Having plenty time on my hands to spare, I thought a word from me would be acceptable although I have not much to write. Our company is full & the regiment nearly so. My health never was better than at the present but I have got a boil on my neck as big as a piece of chalk or about as big as a hen’s egg. It has not come to a head yet but hope it will soon. When it does, I shall want some of your bandages or cloths & some salve. And by the way, I have thought perhaps some of our friends would visit from Oakdale. If they do, you could send me some things that would be very acceptable such as apples (a few), paper & envelopes—Cuttings has some just the thing, and a bottle of ink, and some fine cut tobacco. We had a present from our friend Addison Hosmer of some tobacco and some wooden pipes which will not break which were very acceptable.
I suppose we are government property now for we have taken the oath to a man to support the President of the United States fora term of three years and we are ready and it is our duty to remain true to our obligation to God & to man. We are under pay. We shall receive the regular army pay. I have just learned from our Lieutenant that the government furnishes tobacco for their men. Have got a piece in my mouth now—the very best. No copperass. It is called the Navy Tobacco.
A letter from you would be very acceptable. Our Boys are all well and are enjoying camp life. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. If you wish to write, please direct like this and it will come right straight along:
J. E. Anderson
Camp Andrew
West Roxbury
Care of Capt. Savage
My love to all enquiring friends and a large share to yourselves. By the way, I received a present from Mr. Cooledge and have written him this mail. Tell all to write, write. My uniform consists of one rubber and one woolen blanket, a mattress, and some presents from the Ladies of Boston. We have not got our uniform yet. We have been used first rate. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 2
Camp Andrew
June 5th 1861
Dear Parents,
Your present was received by me Sunday afternoon & gratefully too for I had wanted some acid in my stomach for some time & the lemons & sugaar was just the thing. Also the apples. Fact, everything that comes from home is just the thing we want for it is hard work to get anything here but our regular rations.
Sunday morn. June 9th. My time is pretty much occupied so that I do not get much time to write. There is not much news to write except we have found the bodies of our fellow soldiers that were drowned in the river.
I have received your letter with money enclosed. Also some postage stamps. I was not in need of money but it may come handy at some future time. We have not got our uniform yet but shall have it soon. I do not know how long we are to stay here and I do not think our officers do but they expect to be called away soon as we are all uniformed & equipped which will take two or three weeks. Our Capt. says he cannot give us furloughs to come home so I do not think we shall have a chance to see one another again at present. We shall probably pass through Worcester on our way to New York but there will be no chance to talk for we shall be used as prisoners for fear of our desertion.
I was just called out of our tent to see Mr. Prescott. We have had considerable rainy weather the last week so that it has been necessary to floor our tents. We do not drill rainy days but have to answer to roll calls. I do not get so much sleep as when at home but presume I have enough for health. The first roll is called at half past four in the morning & the last at nine in the evening, and then when I am on guard, I do not get any sleep so that I can lay down anytime in the day and go to sleep in five minutes. But my health was never better than it is now. I hope your health is good. It is hard work for me to write today so I guess I will close and write again soon.
Tell Aunt I., that I shall remember her & also Uncle Luther. Give my love to Lizzie and all the rest. I will get my picture taken if I can. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 3
Camp Andrew
June 13, 1861
Dear Parents,
Being at liberty I thought I would improve my time and let you know that my health continues to be good as all the rest of the Oakdale Boys. I have just read in the paper that we are to go from here the 22nd. You probably will see it in the Journal.
Camp Andrew, Tuesday, [June] 25, 1861. Well, you will see by this date that I have not changed quarters yet & so the papers were wrong. Our Captain told us this morning that we are going to start for headquarters next Monday. Most of the boys are very anxious to leave here. We have been here so long it has become an old story to go through with our daily exercise.
Yesterday our regiment changed the muskets for the Enfield Rifles which are a very pretty piece. Now our drill is mostly skirmishing and we have got to go by the sound of the bugle. I do not know whether our band will go with us or not. We have a very good regimental band of 20 pieces. Presume you have heard from me a number of times since I have written you by the way of those that have been here to see us. It seemed good to see the faces of those that we have been so accustomed to see at home & it brought a feeling of sadness to part with them—perhaps never to meet this side of the grave. We are bound to go from here next Wednesday and as soon as we go there will be another regiment encamped here.
There has been some talk that we should all have a chance to go home on a furlough before leaving here and perhaps I shall come and see you if the time is sufficient. Those things you sent me were just the things—especially the lemons and sugar. I shall send back what clothes I have here as soon as I get my uniform.
I cannot think of any more to write at this time but will again before we leave here. If I do not come home, I would like to hear from you and would like to have you write if you have received that money from Cumming & Hudson. Give my best respects to all enquiring friends & accept a share of my love & thanks for your interest for my good—both spiritual and temporal. And I hope that if we never meet on earth, we may so love and serve God that we can meet in one unbroken circle in heaven. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 4
Camp Andrew
July 3rd 1861
Father,
I suppose we shall leave here soon as we have been ordered to send home our things today & we are receiving our knapsacks, hats, and a full outfit. I have no time to write more as we have to be on the run all the time. But I have sent you a letter in this morning’s mail. I will get my picture taken the first opportunity. Yours in haste, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 5
Camp Andrew
July 7, 1861
Dear Parents,
Probably this is the last opportunity I shall have while here to write you for our knapsacks are all packed ready to take a start tomorrow. We got to Boston first and then we are to go on the Providence Road. We have got a pretty heavy load to carry. Our knapsacks will weight about 30 or 35 pounds & our gun and other fixings 30 or 35 more. The regiment had them all on Tuesday and was inspected to see that every man had his full allowance.
I would have liked to have heard from you before going but cannot. If any letters are on the way for us, they will follow on after to our place of destination. The talk is here that we are going to join Gen. Peterson’s [Patterson’s] forces in Virginia.
Well, dear parents, I have not felt like backing down yet. But I should like to see you before going if it were possible. But it is not so I must be satisfied. I cannot write more now. Will as soon as possible. Give my love to all & tell them to write often. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Evening, 8 o’clock. Well, we start en route for Washington tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. Goodbye for the present. May God ever be our guide & protector is the sincere prayer of your son. — J. E. Anderson
Letter 6
Martinsburg, Virginia
July 13, 1861
Dear Parents,
I take this opportunity to inform you of my whereabouts & to let you know how I came here. I wrote you before leaving Camp Andrew & when I got to Boston there was a gentleman in the cars who took the letters and put them in the Office for us. We had a very hard time of it in Boston—it was so hot. About four o’clock we took the Providence train and rode to Groton in Connecticut & then took the boat for New York. We stayed there a spell and then took a boat for Jersey City where we took the cars for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From there we took the cars and crossed the beautiful Susquehanna River for Hagerstown, Maryland. We were then in the enemy’s country & a hard looking place it was. As we marched through the streets, the people looked daggers at us. We stayed there till afternoon &then slung our knapsacks & prepared for a march, we knew not where.
We marched six miles to Williamsport & camped beside the river Potomac. It was my turn for guard & so I stood guard and the next morning about 3 o’clock we broke up camp and crossed the river. We had to for the river as there was no bridge. We had a march of twelve miles & arrived here and are now in camp under Gen. [Robert] Patterson’s command. There is about 30 or 40 thousand Federal troops here under the General’s command. On our march, we passed a place where our troops whipped the rebels & killed one or two hundred of them & lost one man. The houses were deserted and the fields for miles as we passed along.
We are in the town where the Rebels burned the engines & cars. We are in sight of the Rebel camp now. They are encamped on the mountain about six miles from here.
Sunday, [July] 14th, 1861. Well, dear parents, having plenty time to spare, I thought I would try to finish this & send it when I could for I expect we shall be on the march soon if the rebels do not succeed in compromising with the government. The New Hampshire regiment that Oliver White is in is here.
Letter 7
In camp [Pleasant Hill, Maryland]
August 12, 1861
Dear Parents,
It being a rainy day and there being no drill, I thought a word from me would occupy my time & would be acceptable. Yours with the stamps was received. I am not feeling very well today but presume I shall feel better in a few days. The heat has been very excessive the last few days and there has been considerable complaining of diarrhea and chills or ague among the soldiers. This month is the worst for complaints. You need not send me any more stamps till I send for them.
I am glad to hear that your health is better mother. Hope this may find you still better. I do not think of anything to write that would interest you. Do not get any news in camp that can be relied upon. We get enough to eat now & the Colonel says we shall have. The boys are all well. Windsor Newton 1 has not come yet but suppose he has got well. You may use that dollar if it will do you any good. We have got no pay yet but expect some soon.
If you hear from Warren or any of our friends, write. You probably will think this is a curiously composed letter but it is just about as I feel. Give my respects to all enquiring friends & receive this from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. When I feel better, I will write again & more. This will let you know that yours is received all right. Did you receive my clothes from Camp Andrew? When you write, please let me know. My trust is still in the Lord of my salvation. — J. E. Anderson
When you write me, send a blank sheet of paper every time as it is no place to keep paper here, it gets so dirty. Yours in love, — J. Emerson
1 Windsor Newton was also a boot maker from Oakdale. He was wounded in the neck during the Battle of Antietam, recovered, and afterward joined the 18th US Infantry.
Letter 8
Hyattstown [Maryland]
August 27th 1861
Dear Parents,
Yours of the 17th I have before me. The last I wrote you we were in the mountains overlooking Harper’s Ferry. The 21st we were ordered to strike tents and prepare for a march. Accordingly, we packed our knapsacks and took the road. The rest of the regiment had preceded us and left us as rear guard. We have marched about 30 miles since then on the direct road to Washington.
We are now with our brigade. Our regiment is to have the honor of guarding the town while encamped here. I cannot write you much this morning as there is no news of any importance here. Everything is quiet here. We expect to stay here sometime. I received a letter from George this morning stating that Grandmother was very sick and that Mother had gone to see her. I hope she will recover but if it is the will of God that she should die and commence a new life which is everlasting in the Heavens where there is no tears, no sorrow. Shall we murmur or complain? No, let us rather praise Him tht Je has been so mindful of those that He has created us to prepare so great happiness for all that will look to Him that was sacrificed that we might live. The tears will fall for those we love and it is well that we remember the dead. Although George did not say, I heard that Ezry May was dead. If so, when you write, tell me if he became reconciled to the will of God.
Father, I received the paper you sent & although it was a week old, it was welcome for it came from home. You may send me one when you like. I see by the Boston Journal that the 21st Regiment leaves Camp Lincoln this week. I hope they wil join Gen. Banks’ Division. If they do, they will come here. There is a large number of troops here now but I understand there is to be more.
Our Brigade received pay up to July 1st last week from the State of Massachusetts. I received 18.70 as my share. The Captain says we shall receive two months pay from the government in a week or two. I thought of sending home some money this week but will wait till I get some more. I am sorry business is so dull but we must expect it in such times as these. I will write again soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Hereafter when you direct anything to me, let me be where I will, please direct in a plain hand to:
J. E. Anderson, 2nd Regt. Mass. Vols., Company D, Washington D. C. (Gen. Banks Division)
This direction will be good for all the time I am away, let me be where I will.
P. S. I had to open this after sealing it. I thought I would inform you that the camp is to be broken again and we are packing our knapsacks. It is now about 5 a.m. We have a long march before us (we suppose). — J. E. Anderson
Letter 9
Camp Ellsworth
September 8th 1861
Dear Parents,
I have not much to write this morning but know that a letter is acceptable when written you. My resource for news is not great. It is just two months today since we left Camp Andrew. How rapidly time passes away. Summer is gone and autumn with its cold nights is upon us. Soon will the forest and fields that are now decked with green put on another hue which reminds us that we are passing on and that our summer will soon end here below, & we shall enter upon a new life. And the question comes to my mind, shall it be a summer life when everything is fair to look upon, or will it be dark and dreary like the winter of this life? Methinks I hear a voice within my soul in whispers speaking, be faithful in Jesus and all shall be well with thee. Be faithful &thy life shall be like the running river which creeps along through the valleys with nothing to mar its surface or stop its onward course. Blessed voice, speak on! I feel to praise God on this Sabbath day that He has set aside especially for His worship, for the promises to His children of everlasting life & feel that I would not miss of Heaven, for all the pleasures of this life. Sometimes He hides His face from me for a time &with the poet, I feel to say:
Tis hard to work for good
To rise and take His part
Upon this battlefield of earth
And not sometimes lose heart.
He hides Himself so wondrously
As though there was no God
And seems to leave us to ourselves
Just when we need Him most.
And then the watchword comes and says:
My soul be on guard
Ten thousand foes arise
And hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.
Fight on my soul, till death
Shall bring thee to thy God.
He’ll take thee at they parting breath
To His divine abode.
Surely this life is a life of conflict. I will not dwell longer upon this subject now but will try and tell you something about our prospects.
Our regiment is very healthy & all seem to enjoy themselves. There seems to prevail the opinion that this war will soon be ended & we permitted to go to our homes. Certainly our prospect looks very bright at the present. Everywhere our troops seem to be victorious. The report is that Jeff Davis is dead. If true, they (the secessioners) have lost a man that it will take a long time to find another to fill his place. If what the papers say is true, already the South are beginning to feel the powers of Uncle Sam and are coming back under his protection. I hope we shall not be deceived if we think that the coming winter will find us again enjoying peace and quiet.
The Oakdale Boys are all well. I received a letter from George. Have written two to you since then & have received none. I will send 5 dollars in this. If you receive it safe, just remember to mention it in your next. Please send 12 postage stamps. Give my love to all enquiring friends & accept this from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 10
Camp Ellsworth
September 13th 1861
Dear Parents,
Being very anxious to hear from you, I thought another letter from me would inform you that if you have written me of late, the letter must have miscarried. This is the 3rd or 4th within two weeks that I have wrote you last I heard from you. Mother was up to Russell last Sunday. I put a letter in the mail with a five dollar gold piece enclosed. Today find one dollar enclosed.
The boys are receiving or getting certificates of enlistments in the service to send home for the purpose of drawing money from the town or State. I do not understand which have not noticed any such Act. If you know anything about it, or if there is such a benefit and I am entitled, just inform me and you shall have the benefit of it.
Windsor Newton just received a letter from home stating the death of Rufus Bennett. I have also heard of the death of Wm. Thomas. I have wrote you to send me one dozen stamps. I have not time to write more this morning but shall expect to hear from you soon and will answer as soon as received. Yours in haste. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Direct to Washington, D. C.
2nd Regt. Mass. Vol., Company D, Gen. Banks Division
Letter 11
Camp near Darnstown, Maryland
September 22, 1861
Dear Parents,
I am in very good spirits this morning having received two letters—one from my dear parents, and one from my good friend Dora. I was glad those little pieces went safely. The mails come to our camp regularly now from Washington—once in two days. You can do with what I send you as you like, if you need it. Do not be afraid to use it. We expect to get paid off in a few days and then I hope to have more to send. It is much safer to send it home than to try to keep it here. Shall save enough to give me a little rarity once in a while. We have plenty of good soldier’s fare—hearty food now, and are getting along nicely. We have stayed in this camp much longer than we expected to at first.
I suppose you have the accounts of another great battle in Missouri ere this. We are expecting that our Army of the Potomac will do something before long.
The weather has been very warm (or this time of the year) for the last few days till there was a sudden change last night. Tis quite chilly today. I was very glad to hear that grandmother had partially recovered. Hope she will remain with us for a long time. I would like to see her and Uncle Lewis & you all but cannot now & perhaps never. But there is a comfort to be found in the thought that if we are faithful, we shall meet again and when we consider how fast we are passing away, the time of our separation does not seem long if we are called to part with our friends, here below, still the ties which bind us here, if broken will cause us to mourn & sorrow.
Now my dear parents, if it should be my lot to fall in battle or disease should lay hold of this earthly form, and you should see me no more here below, I will try to live in the sight of God in such a manner that we can meet again where there will be no more wars or separation. God help us all to be faithful till we arrive at home.
You will hear from me as often as an opportunity occurs to write. Give my best respects to all and rest assured that you, my dear parents, are not forgotten. Another little piece for the bank. Bye Emerson
Letter 12
Camp near Darnestown
October 12, 1861
Dear Father,
Having a chance to send a letter to Washington today, I thought it a good opportunity to send you some of my wages which I received yesterday. I received two months pay amounting to $23.73 and will send you $20—two notes of $10 each. You will see we have to take Uncle Sam’s notes for our pay but I suppose it is just as good as the gold and should you wish to use them, you can easily get them changed at the banks and I have no doubt they will be as freely circulated in the country in a few months as any bank notes. I send this home for your use and I wish you to use it if you want it and I shall feel thankful that I have any way of paying up old arrearages.
But as I have not much time to write, I must draw this to a close. I am enjoying good health and trying to serve God in my feeble way. I hope this will find you in the enjoyment of the blessing which God gives.
I hear by W. Newton that Mother is on the gain and is likely to recover. I think I shall get my picture taken in a few days and will send you the same. In haste. You shall hear from me again soon. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
Letter 13
Camp near Darnestown [Maryland]
October 20, 1861
Dear Parents,
I am still as you will see by this in the same place as when last I wrote and the prospect is that we shall stay here some time yet as we are making preparations for cold weather, building horse sheds, and digging cellars under the officers’ tents. We have had some cold and frosty nights and one has had to cover up with his clothing on in order to keep warm. But I have not suffered any yet.
I cannot write you a long letter today but I know you wish to hear from me often and so you will excuse a short letter. There is no news to write. I hear from you once in a while by the boys and I am glad Mother is recovering. I hope, Mother, you will soon recover sufficiently to write me another letter. I miss your letters much although I have others to write me.
I think you have received by this time my last letter in which was enclosed two of Uncle Sam’s ten dollar notes. I will send you a two and a half piece in this if you receive it or what I send, let me know when you write. I wrote a letter to Warren the other day.
We continue to drill daily and there is not much change in our duties from day to day. It makes me feel quite homesick sometime. I hope we shall have a change of scenes pretty soon. I am still endeavoring to live to attain the great end for which man was created but it is needless for me to tell you how utterly I fail to live a holy life. I hope this wil find you enjoying the blessing of God.
This from your son, — J. E. Andrews
Letter 14
On the march
October 28, 1861
Dear Parents,
I thought I would just drop you a line this morn as I have to write by the jump if I would write at all. We have been pretty busy for a week. we left our camp last Monday night and since that time have traveled 50 miles or more. Have been wet, cold and hungry a good share of the time but my health is good yet and I feel very comfortable this morning. Have had a good breakfast. I have not heard from you since Monday last when I received a letter from George. I hope you have received my last letters as there was money in them both.
The other Oakdale Boys are all well. You no doubt have the account of the battle fought at Conrad’s Ferry where our troops were defeated. We did not get there till the morning after the battle but you have the papers to read and will get the account better than I can give it.
We have a report current here that McClellan has taken Manassas but we have learned not to believe all we hear.
We are now near Muddy Creek. I do not know where we shall go next but think from what I learn that we shall go to Chain Bridge. The nights are quite cold and frosty now but we manage to keep comfortable and shall as long as fence rails and straw lasts. Our tents are the bell topped tent and we can have a fire in them. And while I am writing this, my feet are warming by a fire in the center of the tent. I hope this may find you in better health. I can but feel thankful to God that while I am far away I have the assurance that in your sickness you have had the sympathy of kind friends. I wish I could see you but my work will hinder me.
I have no time to write much and will close now, with the best wishes for your prosperity. I remain your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Father, I had no opportunity to get my picture taken
Letter 15
Ridgeville [Maryland]
February 8th 1862
Dear Parents,
Your last letter was received by me and I should have answered before had I have been in camp, but as you will see by this, I am away and have been for more than a week. I was very sorry to learn that you, Mother, were having those distressed turns. You seem to recover from your sickness very slowly. I am afraid you work too hard. I am glad you have got Aunt Eliza with you. Keep her as long as you can and do not work too hard.
My health is good now. Have had a slight cold but am getting over it. That cough medicine was just the thing. I am on duty here as a guard to detect deserters. Am boarding at a public house. Have enough to eat and a good bed to sleep in. Do not know how long I shall stay here. I have heard from our company yesterday. They are not drilling now—ther is so much mud. We have not had but one or two days that the sun has not thawed the ground.
I think of no more news to write you now. I will enclose a ten dollar note in this trusting that you will receive it all safe. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
P. S. Direct yours to Frederick, Maryland. Shall write again soon.
Letter 16
Camp Hicks 1
February 26, 1862
Dear Parents,
I have been away from camp on duty four weeks today and have been called in today for our regiment marches early tomorrow morning for Harpers Ferry. I wrote you three weeks ago and enclosed ten dollars in the letter and William Blunt tells me that you have not received any word from me for a long time. I cannot see why it should happen sp. Can it be possible that there is men so depraved that they would rob us who are willing to sacrifice our lives in their behalf while they are enjoying the comforts of life?
I have written to Lizzie—Dora—George—Lewis—and yourself and have received no answer from either. There was a letter came to camp while I was away and William Chase says he thought it was directed in Lizzie’s hand writing but it has been lost and I shall not have the pleasure of reading it. When you write to me, write me who wrote the letter if you can find out. I feel very anxious to hear from you.
My trust in Jesus. God bless you. This from your son, — J. E. Anderson
In haste.
1 Camp Hicks was the winter quarters of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. It was located four miles east of Frederick, Maryland, by the Baltimore Pike.
Letter 17
Camp of the 2nd Reg. Mass. Volunteers
near Edinburg, Virginia
March 5th 1862
Dear Parents,
I received yours of the 28th yesterday. I was very glad to get yours. I cannot write you a long letter now for the mail goes out soon and I have not got time. Since I last wrote you, we have had quite a march. We expected to see some fighting on the way but did not have much for the rebels kept at a safe distance and there was no fighting to amount to anything.
My health is pretty good now except I have got one of the worst colds I ever had. Can hardly speak aloud. Shall get over it soon I hope. I do not know when we make another advance but will write you as often as I can. Our mail will not come as regular as it has done but write as soon as you get this, Mother, so that I can get one from you before we leave this place. I expected a letter from George ere this. I want you to send me 25 stamps as soon as you can. We can get none here. We have not been paid off yet. Hope we shall be soon and will send you some more by the mudfull.
Yours in haste. From J. E. Anderson
P. S. You may send me one dollar’s worth of stamps instead of 25 stamps. I think we shall get paid off before we march again. Write as soon as you get this. — Emerson
Letter 18
Monday eve, March 30th 1862
Dear Parents,
I have but a few moments to write in before tattoo, but as I go on guard tomorrow, I will just drop you a line now while I have a chance. I received those things you sent in William’s box today. I do think those figs are nice and so does everyone who has had a taste. The chestnuts were the first I have tasted this year. (There comes the drum) and I must close. My health os good. I will write again soon. Good night Father and Mother. — Emerson
Letter 19
Camp of Paroled Prisoners
Annapolis, Maryland
July 17th 1862
Dear Parents,
I am here and well. Arrived yesterday noon. There are about 150 here now, only three with myself of the 2nd [Massachusetts]. We have nothing to do as yet. We feel somewhat uneasy to lear our final fate and destination. If we are to stay here in idleness, I for one shall feel uneasy. I cannot give you any description of the town for I have not been here long enough and I do not know as I shall have the privilege ofgoing into town as we have to get a pass from the Colonel to get out of the encampment so you will not get much news from me at present.
I hope you will excuse me for the shortness of this and I will try and write more in a short time. I wish to hear from you soon. When you write, please direct yours to Annapolis, Maryland in care of Chaplain of the 67th Penn. Vols. and write as soon as you can find time. From your son, — J. E. Anderson
I will give the full directions here below so there will be no misunderstanding on the other page.
Direct:
J. E. Anderson
2nd Reg. Mass. Vol.
Company D
Annapolis, Maryland
In care of Chaplain of 67th Regt. P. Vol.
Paroled Prisoner
Letter ?
January 1863?
Camp of the 2nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers
Dear Parents,
I have just received the box and a letter containing two dollars. The handkerchiefs and figs were quite an addition to the present. I think the figs are excellent. The cap cover I shall put on the first rainy day. My cold is better. Cough has almost left me but the syrup is just as good and I am glad I have got it. I wrote you a few days ago and requested you to send me a bottle of tincture rhubarb. If you have not sent it ere you receive this, you need not send it as I shall get along without it. The piece Father sent I had already seen.
Gen. McClellan is the lion of the day among a certain class, however I do not see why we cannot find someone in the army that is just as smart.
I received a letter from Abbie Hall a few days ago. Uncle Sidney feels the loss of Gro. to be great. The family are all well. I must draw to a close for we have to drill twice a day and it is almost time to fall in. Our regiment has received the mark of honor in Gen. Slocum’s Corps—it being the best in his corps. He has appointed it to be Provost Guard as long as we retain that position. We shall have to black our shoes and look neat. My officers thought me worthy of promotion and so I am appointed sergeant. My warrant dates from the 1st of January.
We are having a day or two of pleasant weather now. I must close. From your son, — Emerson
Letter ?
Monday eve, March 30th 1862
Dear Parents,
I have but a few moments to write in before tattoo, but as I go on guard tomorrow, I will just drop you a line now while I have a chance. I received those things you sent in William’s box today. I do think those figs are nice and so does everyone who has had a taste. The chestnuts were the first I have tasted this year. (There comes the drum) and I must close. My health os good. I will write again soon. Good night Father and Mother. — Emerson
Spared & Shared 23 