Augustus Adams (1836-1865) wrote the following letter to his brother in mid-November 1863 while serving as a corporal in Co. K, 25th Massachusetts Infantry. Augustus was the son of Aaron Adams (1804-1877) and Julia Elder (1808-1882) of Leicester, Worcester county, Massachusetts. The cenotaph on his headstone in the Greenville Baptist Cemetery in Leicester informs us that he “died after 9 months captivity in Florence, South Carolina. He was engaged in 5 battles.” In his letter he refers to a sister named Julia whose health was “no better.” His older sister, Julia Ann (Adams) Houghton Scott (1833-1864), the wide of Ebenezer O. Scott (1814-1877) did indeed die a few months later in March 1864

The 25th Massachusetts had just completed a winter expedition in North Carolina when they were transferred to Newport News and subsequently to Yorktown and awaited the arrival of Butler’s Army of the James. They finally embarked for Bermuda Hundred where they participated in fighting at Port Walthall Junction, at Arrowhead Church, and the Battle of Drewry’s Bluff. It was in this last battle, Muster rolls tell us, that Augustus was taken prisoner at on 16 February 1864.

Other letters transcribed and posted on Spared Shared by members of the 25th Massachusetts Infantry include:

Samuel Henry Putnam, Co. A, 25th Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Edwin Collins Gaskill, Co. B. 25th Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Charles Newton, Co. B, 25th Massachusetts (1 Letter)
Henry Arthur White, Co. H, 25th Massachusetts (1 Letter)

[Editor’s Note: The first draft of this transcript was kindly prepared by Abbey Weber Jones for Spared & Shared.]

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

Newport News, Virginia
November 16, 1863

Dear Brother,

I take this opportunity to answer your kind letter. I received it today. I suppose you heard before this time where we are. We had a terrible rough passage in going around Cape Hatteras to Virginia. We came very near being lost at sea in a heavy gale. We are in camp at Newport News, Virginia, where McClellan’s army encamped on their march to Yorktown. We are about 12 miles from fortress Monroe, Virginia, on the Richmond side at the mouth of the James River.  We belong to General [Charles Adam] Heckman’s Brigade. There is six regiments in the brigade.

General Butler has taken command of this department. General Foster has gone to relieve General Burnside. We are under marching orders now—the whole brigade. Some think we are going to join Meade. Others think we shall go to South Carolina. The other day, two large Rebel torpedoes came floating down the James River from Richmond. They came down opposite our camp. They were probably sent down to destroy our monitors and frigates. One of them came against the large ironclad Roanoke but the powder having got wet, it did not explode. We are roughing it now in small shelter tents.

The weather is cooler here now which makes it more healthy. My health is good now. I should like to see Winthrop’s girl. She must be a fat little lump. I am sorry to hear that Julia is no better. Give my love to her.  Tell her to keep up good courage. You spoke about getting that money of Mr. Hall for me. If you get it, I will pay you well for your trouble.

You spoke about my having a furlough. It is very uncertain about my getting one till my time is up. If I have a chance for one, I shall take it. They only give the furlough men 15 days now. I have not much more to write at present.

I give my love to all the folks at home and keep a share to yourself. Write as soon as you get this letter. Direct your letters to Newport News, Virginia.

From your brother, —Mr. Augustus Adams

Yours Truly

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