The following letter was written by Ransom Wharton (1837-1862), the son of Hiram Wharton and Sarah Ann Leland of Bangor, Penobscot, Maine. At the time of the 1860 US Census, 23 year-old Ransom was enumerated in his parent’s household; his occupation recorded as “Mariner.”

On 12 December 1861, Ransom enlisted as a private in Co. I (the “Gratton Guards”), 2nd Maine Infantry—a 2-year regiment. He was promoted to corporal in July 1862 but did not survive the war. He was killed in action on 30 August 1862 at the 2nd Battle of Bull Run where the regiment entered the fight with just 257 effective men and emerged with only 137 soldiers able to carry a rifle.

A few years ago I transcribed five letters by Ransom’s younger brother, Albert T. Wharton (1839-1920) who enlisted in December 1861 to serve in Congress. F, 14th Maine Infantry. See—1862-64: Albert T. Wharton to Sarah Ann (Leland) Wharton.

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

Camp Jameson, Halls Hill, Va.
February 23, 1862

Dear Mother,

I have just received your letter dated the 18th and was glad to hear from you to hear that you were all well and I hope this will find you all well and enjoying good health and happiness. I am now enjoying life and happiness.

We still remain at Halls Hill where we shall undoubtedly remain until it comes settled weather. The weather has been very bad lately and it is very muddy but I think we shall not do much fighting in this regiment for we are on the reserve and if things go on as they lately have, they will get through with their fighting before they call upon us to lend a hand. Our folks have gained some great victories lately [in Tennessee]. They gain the day in every battle and have taken thousands of rebel prisoners at every fight and it is a thing impossible for [the] rebellion to last much longer. So don’t worry about me. I shall be back home in a few months time.

We have a good time out here. We don’t have to work and when it storms, we don’t have to drill nor have any duty to do whatever. So of course we have a good time. And as for friends, the boys are all like brothers. Whenever either one of us is sick, the rest all take care of him and we have no trouble with one another whatever.

As for Jim [James K.] Mann, we all are glad he is gone home. The reason he was sent home was on account of fits which he could have when he wanted to. He was out here once before and was sent home on account of sickness and that answered for an excuse. This time he was a regular glut. It was easier for him to tell a lie than the truth. He married a miserable creature for a woman and is no better himself. But we don’t wish him back here again.

One of the boys in a company next to ours shot himself accidentally while handling a pistol. The ball went into his breast right under his heart. It was done at noon and he lived till midnight in the most agonizing pain. It was dreadful to hear him screech and groan. He had a brother here in the same company. His name was William Brown. He belonged in Brewer, Maine. He was buried here.

Our colonel’s name is Charles W[entworth] Roberts of Bangor.

I must now close for this time. My love to you all. Write soon. I was glad of those papers. We shall all read them. From your son, — R. Wharton