The following letter makes a good read but unfortunately the soldier who wrote it only signed his name “John” and there are too few clues within the letter to lead me conclusively to his identity or even the regiment he was in. He does indicate that they were under the overall command of Gen. Henry W. Benham who was responsible for the engineering activities near Petersburg so I’m going to assume this soldier was in either the 15th or 50th New York Engineers. Early in the letter he speaks of constructing the hospitals at the “Point” which would have been City Point. This activity seems consistent with the engineers.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Camp near Petersburg [Monday] December 12th 1864
Dear Brother,
We have made quite a move since I wrote you last. I don’t owe you a letter but since I have the time to spare, I thought I would give you a little sketch of our march to this place.
Friday [9 December] was an awful cold day. We went down to the Point [City Point] to work on the hospitals as usual, It was rather hard work to keep warm. Friday night it commenced raining [and] in the morning [10 December] there was an inch and a half of snow on the ground. We went down to work. It grew warmer and made it too muddy to work so we came back to camp at noon. They told us we might get us up some wood for ourselves to last over Sunday [so] we started with a wheelbarrow and got two loads chopped and wheeled up into our shanty. We had to go three quarters of a mile for wood is getting about played out in this section.
When we got the wood up, it was after three. We drawed some raw potatoes at noon for supper. We was thinking what a nice meal we would have for we had not drawed any before. We got them all ready to cook but too late for at four o’clock we received marching orders, to be ready to march at 6 that night. We had to fly around, strike our tents and pack our knapsacks, but worst of all, leave our shanty. We had it fixed up warm for we had got lots of boards down to the hospitals & nails. We had just got us a table and chairs adn everything nice
At six we was all in the ranks with four days rations, knapsack with two blankets, shirts and other dry goods which a soldier needs & one piece of tent, cartridge box with 40 rounds of ammunition, belt and saber and gun—not much of a load, I thank you. No, I guess not. Bound for someplace whither we knew not. Nice time to march for the mud and snow was knee deep. The army never moves without it is muddy, by Josh.
We marched down to the railroad one quarter of a mile. There was all of our regiment awaiting for the train and some more that Gen. [Henry Washington] Benham had command of. There was said to be two thousand troops. We waited two hours before the train to come right in the mud. The band played, “The Gal we left behind me” and several other popular airs suited for the occasion. There was two trains, The first one was a wood train. Half of them got onto it. Our company got on to the second train on top. There was an inch of snow—nice and cool. We rode seven miles, got off at Meade Station. We got off and formed into line and was ordered to stack arms and unsling knapsacks and make ourselves miserable until night. I thought so too for the mud & snow was as bad as a barn yard, but sleep we had got to have. We spread down our rubber blanket and laid down. My feet was so cold, I took off my boots & warmed them up as well as I could. I never turned in quite as cold as I did that night but I went right to sleep., two of us together.
We was called up at two o’clock. It rained like shot. My blanket was wet and my feet too. We got ready in a short time and marched two hours. We halted and stacked our arms. There was a house nearby and some outbuilding (some General’s headquarters). We had got to have some wood (there was a guard around the buildings). There was no wood near so they commenced pulling down the barn and hog pen. They stripped them pretty quick. There was 50 or 60 fires started in a short time. They hadn’t got fairly to going before the order came to put them all out. If we didn’t, the shells would be a flying around us. I thought we must be amongst them for we heard the picket firing plain when daylight came. We could see our line of works plain.
We ate our breakfast, stayed there until eleven, and then we fell in and marched to where we are now. I tell you, our knapsacks was pretty heavy before we got [here]. Some of the boys threw away one of their blankets, they was so wet and heavy, but I got through with mine and stood it first rate. We got here about noon. There was winter huts built that some soldiers vacated but all mud and snow—pretty shabby for they was built in a hurry. We put our tent cloth on [one] and cleaned them out as well as we could. We had to be pretty thick for their wasn’t huts enough. There was twelve of us together—just as thick as we could stand up. I never felt thecold so much as I did that night. It seemed as though we should freeze. The wind blew hard and froze hard as a rock. It don’t look much like the Sunny South they tel about, and our old tent you could throw your hat through it anywhere.
We are within one mile of Petersburg and in the rear of Fort Petersburg. We can see the steeples at Petersburg and the buildings that they have got our prisoners in. John, you ought to see the guns that they have got mounted on this fort. They look huge, I tell you. They say they could throw a shell into Petersburg with them. I don’t doubt it for they look as though they was capable of doing. The pickets are a firing all the while at each other. I could hear them plain enough when I was at the Point and most too plain here. I would rather [ ] to the rear if they would let me,
John. I must stop for we have had orders to clean up our guns for inspection. I will tell you the rest I have done in another sheet. — George
The following letters were written Charles Pumpelly Bacon (1827-1884), the son of George Bacon (1804-1864) and Mary Ann Pumpelly (1806-1845) of Owego, Tioga County, New York. In the mid-1840s, Charles attended Wabash College in Indiana, and then became a civil engineer who gained experience building Erie Railroad. After the war he worked on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. During the Civil War, he served in the Quartermaster’s Department of the 15th New York Volunteer Engineers. He enrolled on August 10, 1861, at Camp St. John, Va.; mustered in as first lieutenant, Co. F, August 10, 1861, to serve two years; was made regimental quartermaster, to date April 15, 1863; and was discharged, July 14, 1863. He was commissioned first lieutenant, August 27, 1861, with rank from August 10; 1361.
After the war, he moved to Iowa where he was involved in the insurance business. He married Emma Pearl “Oakie”) Shockey (1842-1936) in 1867.
Charles wrote all of these letters to his aunt Stella Avery Pumpelly (1817-1894), the wife of John Mason Parker who was a U.S. Congressional representative and Justice of the New York Supreme Court. She was the daughter of Charles Pumpelly (1780-1854) and Hannah Bushnell Pumpelly (1756-1832) of Owego.
[Editor’s Note: I received only the fifth letter for transcription, but I found four other letters by Lt. Bacon online. I’ve included them here, though I can’t guarantee their accuracy since they were transcribed by others and full images of the letters aren’t available. I did correct some clear errors in the transcriptions, as I’m familiar with Owego, New York, and its 19th-century residents.]
Letter 1
Camp Alexander [near the Navy Yard] Washington [D. C.] November 28th 1861
My Dear Aunt Stella,
Lt. Charles Pumpelly Bacon, 15th New York Engineers, 1861
I was somewhat astonished and very much gratified by receiving a letter from you some time ago. And should have answered it before this. But was waiting to get my “Picture” to send at the same time. I got them yesterday and send you four. Please keep one and give or send one to Aunt Susan, Aunt Hat and Aunt Lilla. They are not as good as I wish. But the best I have. They look older (so everyone says) than I do. I hope you will not think I have grown bald in the service because that is the fault of the light striking on my head. The face I think is good. I will have some more taken if I am here next pay day. Then I hope to send you a better one.
I had a letter from Father this afternoon. He says he is invited to take a Thanksgiving dinner with you today. Last Thanksgiving, I dined with you. I wish I could have done so today. I sometimes get quite homesick when thinking of you all. How I wish some Sunday evenings I could drop in on you and make my usual call. You must Miss Mary Bosworth. She is a nice girl and a great favorite of mine. I had a letter from Fanny yesterday. She is well and seems happy. I have not seen Frank in some time but intend to next time I get away from camp. Jim Pumpelly has called on me once and so has George. I am afraid George will see hard times this winter. I hope he is with a good Captain. I think his enlisting as a private was a very foolish move and can’t understand why Uncle George consented to it.
Hinch was in this afternoon. He saw Jim [on] Tuesday at the review. He said he was staying with Frank at the Arsenal. I expect them both up every day. Hinch has made a man of himself and deserves great credit. By his own efforts, without the aid of friends, he has got for himself a fine position and is in a fair way for promotion. He seems determined to do right and merit advancement and I for one am very glad to see it. He talks a great deal about his mother and is very anxious to see her. He holds an important position in the Navy Yard and is obliged to conduct himself with perfect propriety. He looks older than he used to. Is quite dignified in his manners and is brilliant in his naval uniform with brass buttons and gold lace. He had his photograph taken the same time I did to send to his mother but he has not got it yet.
I hope you and Uncle John will come to Washington this winter. I think you would enjoy a visit at this time. I would like to show you how soldiers live and a model camp. General McClellan was here last Tuesday afternoon, inspected our camp and regiment, and complimented us very highly. He spent most of the afternoon with us. [He] stayed to our evening parade and stood on foot in front of the regiment until it was all through with—an honor he has never conferred on any other regiment in the service. He seemed very much interested and pleased with the regiment. Told the Colonel that he had reviewed regulars that day that did not equal the 15th. The New York Times of yesterday has a good notice of the review.
We have been appointed by Governor Morgan as New York State Volunteer Engineers and expect to be recognized by the U.S. when the next Congress meets. When a forward movement is made, you will hear of the 15th in the advance. Throwing out pontoon bridges, cutting roads, putting up fortifications, etc.. We held the advance for some time in Virginia and are perfectly familiar with picket duty. By the way, I have got a very nice secesh table cloth from Masons Hill, which I will send you the first opportunity as a trophy from the war.
It is dark, cold and rainy tonight. I am writing in my tent as comfortably as I would in your sitting room. I have a good floor, stove, bunk, table, shelf for books and pays to have heavy clothes on. Every stranger that comes in is astonished to see how comfortable a tent can be made. We have two or three ladies in camp who have been with us through the whole campaign. The Adjutant’s wife gave a Thanksgiving dinner to some of the officer in her (or his) tent today. You would be astonished to see how nicely some of the tents are fitted up. I was up all night before last on guard and yesterday got leave to go to town. I went through the Patent Office and Smithsonian Institute. Spent most of the day examining the curiosities and felt well paid for the trouble. I don’t leave camp very often as we have plenty to do here and will have an examination to go through with before long, that will thin out the officers some. Those that stay will stand a good chance to get into the regular service. If I should be fortunate enough to pass the examination, I shall try to get a furlough and pay you a visit. If I should not pass, I will have an indefinite furlough.
I hope to hear from you again soon. Although I know this is a very stupid letter. Still, I was determined to make an attempt tonight. I am unaccustomed to corresponding with ladies. So, my inexperience must be my excuse for this effort.
Jim Pumpelly can give you all the fashionable intelligence of the city. I know nothing about it and have no desire to go out of camp to see anyone, unless it is some old friend. I intend to go out and see George when I get a chance. I can’t help feeling troubled about his position. When you write, please give me the address of Aunts Hat and Lille and be sure to write for I am delighted to hear from you and will try to do better next time.
Remember me to Uncle John, Charles. Excuse this first attempt and believe me as ever,
Your affectionate Nephew, — Charles Bacon
I send Father, by this mail, photographs of General McClellan, Scott and Beauregard and two of my brother officers. Yours, CPB
Letter 2
U.S. Transport Columbia York River
May 11th 1862
Dear Aunt Stella,
Having a little time to myself this morning, I thought I would drop you a line and let you know that I am alright so far. I have been very busy for the last four days moving camp, etc., and we are now on the Steamer Columbia at anchor about 10 miles above Yorktown waiting for the rest of our Brigade and orders when to land. Over 300 of our regiment are with General Franklin’s Division at West Point. The balance are on this boat. We will probably land some where above West Point.
We have had exciting times for the last three weeks and are now going where we will see more of what the boys call fun. I don’t exactly see it in that light—especially when I see the boat loads of wounded and dead that are brought down to Yorktown. I was in Yorktown last Sunday morning, soon after the evacuation. Had a good chance to see all that was left behind and also see and come very near feeling the effects of those infernal machines.
That telegraph operator Lathrop was killed close by me. I was talking with him a moment before and had been walking all around the spot. I left Yorktown shortly after I saw the operation of that shell. I spent Sunday evening with Frank, who had been that day taking account of guns left behind for General McClellan’s dispatch. I suppose he has written all the particulars. General has now moved his headquarters and I suppose Frank is with him. He did not go as soon as the General but stayed behind with Colonel Kingsbury to form the siege trains. They are all gone now. We move them same day, last Friday.
Yesterday, I got everything shipped and we laid out in the stream last night. These moves make work for me as I have to get the transportation and see to all the property and keep the men in provisions at the same time. In camp, I issue for 3 or 5 days at a time. But now I have to provide for them like so many children.
Last night, General McClellan stayed at Kent Court House. We expect to be in Richmond this week. We have our tool train and pontoon trains with us ready to throw up our works around Richmond, if required. Our Brigade did an immense deal of work before Yorktown. Colonel Murphy, with this gallant three hundred, had charge of the landing of the whole of General Franklin’s Division. You will see a picture of his fleet in Harper’s Weekly in a short time.
Now Aunt, I have only time to say that I am well. Our men in the best of spirits and on the high road to Richmond. I am well satisfied with my position. Have to work hard at times but have no Captain Garrett to order me around and am as independent as anyone can be in the Army.
I have heard nothing from home in a long time. My last letter was from Fanny and I have not seen one Owego paper since I was home. I expect a letter from Charley every day. I shall write him soon. I wish he would have [Hiram A.] Beebe send me his paper [the Owego Gazette] to 15th New York Engineer Brigade, General McClellan’s Corps, U.S. Army.
Give my love to all at home and write soon too. Yours in great haste, — C. P. Bacon
Letter 3
Engineer Brigade Headquarters, 15th New York Volunteer Engineers Camp Alexander
September 21st 1862
Dear Aunt Stella,
I was very happy some days ago to receive a call from Frank and through him a letter from you containing a thing that I have wanted for some time, but never happened to get. I am sorry to say, that I have not had much use for your very acceptable present since I received it. As I have been living on boiled rice, tea and toast. But today I eat a good dinner and have use for the toothpick.
I have been quite unwell since we left Fortress Monroe. Have had a great deal of work to do and since we have been in this camp, I have hardly been out of my tent unless I was obliged to go on business. I have lost 36 pounds of flesh and been very weak. I have not had energy enough to answer your kind letter before today but have kept as quiet as possible in my bunk. I am feeling quite well today. Eat a good dinner and hope I am alright again. I don’t think you will be troubled with a sick nephew about my size this time.
Frank was ordered out with a large ammunition train shortly after he reported for duty. He was to leave with 240 wagons containing six million 100,000 rounds of ammunition—an immense train—enough to kill all the rebels. When I last saw him, he thought he could get most of it out by railroad as the Army was changing its position. I called at the Ebbitt House to see him and found he had gone out but they did not know which way.
There has been some terrible fighting the last week but you get it all in the papers as soon as I do. We sent from this Brigade yesterday morning a splendid pontoon bridge train out to the front. Our men are hard at work repairing, strengthening and enlarging the defenses on the Maryland side of the Eastern branch. General Woodbury has command of all the works on that side of the river. He is a Major General now and has 3 or 4 new regiments over there, where our men are learning the mysteries of gabions and fascines.
It looks now as if this would be our headquarters for the winter. As our repair shops and material connected with our bridges is all here and the bridge trains have to be made up here and sent out with detachments, as they are wanted. If our headquarters is here, I will remain here which will suit me much better than being in the field. I am perfectly willing to rest a while now for I have been continually on the move since last March and have seen all I want to of Virginia for the present.
The rebs are in a bad box now and I think our army is much nearer Richmond than when we were on the Chickahominy.
I want to ask Uncle John how that money was deposited and in what bank. Is it to my credit so I can draw it out by checks? I ask the question, as I owe Fred Platt a bill of $28 that I could give him a check for and unless we are paid before long, I may want to make a draw for my own use. I would like 2 or 3 blank checks in case I should want to use them. Uncle Sam is slow paying at present. If we are to stay here this winter, I will want my overcoat again. But if we take the field, I shall take a common one. By the way, did you ever get those clothes from General Yates? I have never heard whether they were taken to Owego or not. I want to get home a few days this fall if possible and make you a short visit. If they ever stop fighting long enough, I may be able to get away for a few days.
It is now about 3 p.m. Plenty of visitors and carriages are coming into camp. We have a large crowd here every Sunday afternoon to see dress parade. We have the Marine Band here to play for us, which adds a great deal to the show. Our Regimental band was discharged at Harrisons Landing.
I can write no more at present. Accept my thanks for your kind remembrance. I hope to use it after some of your good dinners yet. I am just getting my appetite again and am all the while thinking about the good things you have to eat at home and wishing I was there to enjoy them with you. I would like to take a Sunday dinner with you today. The succotash would suffer some. Give my love to Aunt Hattie, Carrie, Uncle John and all at home. The Band is playing close by my tent and a large crowd around it drives all ideas out of my head. Excuse this poor attempt at a letter and believe me as ever, your affectionate nephew,— C. P. Bacon
I wish you were here this afternoon to see the bright side of a soldier’s life. Carrie would enjoy the show and splendid music of the Marine Band.
Letter 4
Headquarters, 15th New York Volunteer Engineers Camp Alexander October 5th 1862
Dear Uncle,
Yours of September 24th was received on time but the promised letter from Aunt Stella has not yet arrived. I was very glad to hear from you and learn how things were going on at home. I am glad to know that the business concerning the house is settled. Will it be necessary for me to be at home before my term is out (next May) to attend to any business? Or can you do without me? It is very hard, almost impossible, to get a leave of absence at this time except in case of dangerous sickness. I would like very much to get away for a few days this fall and pay you a visit but hardly think it possible. Our movements are very uncertain.
There is rumor in camp today that we are to be ordered to the front in a few days. Our regiment is very busy now. Two companies are guarding the bridges over the eastern branch. One company is fitting out a pontoon bridge to go on the next call. The balance are out every day making gabions, fascines and instruction. New regiments in the artillery, also digging rifle pits, repairing forts, etc. Then we have over 200 recruits in camp that are being drilled every day and about as many more in New York to come on.
I draw now 879 rations for men here on the ground. I have been busy since we came here getting new clothing for the men, equipment for recruits. All kinds of camp equipage, new harnesses for horses. Have had my wagons all repaired and everything ready for another campaign. Then I have to get all provisions for the men, forage and grub and everything else that the regiment requires. So, you may imagine, I have enough to attend to. I am feeling very well again and have an excellent appetite. Since I received your, I have had letters from Albert and Fanny. Albert [Bacon] is still Lieutenant Colonel of the 30th [Illinois Infantry]. They were stationed, when he wrote, at Jackson, Tennessee. He was well. Have lately been to Carlyle [Illinois] and left Maggie and the children all well. I enclose an extract about him that Charley Ransom cut out of a paper and sent me a few days ago. He says Fanny’s health is much better this fall than it has been for some time before.
I have called at the Ebbitt House several times but Frank had not been in since he left so I suppose he is out at some depot attending to the delivery of ordnance stores. I will write you as soon as I hear anything of him. I heard of [Col. Benjamin] Tracy and [Lt.-Colonel Isaac] Catlin [of the 109th New York Infantry] in town the other day but did not see them. I have not happened to see any of the new men from home that have been here.
I hope you will see some safe place to invest that money there is in the Bank before long. It seems wrong to have it idle so long. If I had the friends, I would invest them. Some improved farms can be bought in Virginia in the neighborhood of Washington at 10 and 12 dollars an acre. The people are too frightened there. They will sell at most any price. There is some risk but a good chance I think to make money. When is the proper time for the division of our property? I suppose we will all three of us have to be present then.
I get no war news except from the papers. Read the NY Herald, Washington Star every night. The new troops are being sent out as fast as they come in. Well, I suppose something grand will be done before long.
My love to Aunts Stella, Hattie and Carrie. Tell Aunt Stella I am looking for her letter any day. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain as ever, Yours, — C. P. Bacon
Letter 5
Headquarters 15th New York Vol. Engineers Camp Alexander October 12th 1862
Dear Aunt Stella,
Your promised letter has not yet arrived but I am expecting it every mail. I wrote Uncle John about a week ago and said I would write again when I heard anything of Frank. I called at the Ebbit House to enquirer about him and learned that he was at Frederick and sent in after his baggage last Tuesday which they sent out to him. That looks as if Frank expected to remain some time at Frederick. He would never have sent for his baggage if he expected to go right into the field. He probably has charge of Ordnance Stores at that depot.
Charley Sweet was here to see me las Friday. He was expecting to go home for a short visit in a few days. Paul Sweet and George Huntington are at Alexandria where Charley & Hyatt Ransom have also been stationed.
We have had beautiful weather since we have been in this camp up to today. Last night it commenced growing cold and today a regular old fashioned cold rain storm has set in and it looks now as though our pleasant weather was all through with and winter about to commence. I think it would be good policy for me to have my overcoat out here as I begin to feel the want of it. I wish you would get Charley or someone else to put it in a small box directed to me here and send it by express. The express charges will have to be paid in advance. It will go to Elmira and from there by Harnden’s Express to Washington. I have got a regular apple eating fever on and am continually wishing for some of them good apples out of Uncle George’s yard that I know are going to waste. I wish you would get some boy (with Uncle George’s permission) to put me up a barrel of them nice “Signofather’s” and send them to me with a box. I will be very thankful if you will get someone to do this for me and please send me the amount of the expense together with the express charges, which I will be most happy to pay. Poor apples in Washington sell for five cents each and good ones are sold at ten cents each. I never was so apple hungry before and eat a good many at those prices.
My health is pretty good but I am not altogether right yet. I have been making a survey for the purpose of connecting the chain of forts on the Maryland side by roads that would be altogether concealed from the enemy in case we are attacked on that side and should want to move troops or artillery from one fort to another. I worked three days with a large party and finished the survey and made a map of it. Now I am attending to my legitimate business again as Quartermaster Engineers and scarce in this regiment or I would not have much work to do. I had no idea but that I was about as strong as ever until I came to tramp over the hills for three days and then I found I could not work as I was accustomed before, and when I got through with the survey, I was about used up and have not rested yet. The Colonel would like to keep me at that kind of work during the week but I “can’t see it” and tell him the regiment is suffering for blankets, winter clothes, &c. that I must immediately attend to. I would never say anything about being too weak to do the work as long as I could get off on any other plea.
I have heard nothing about moving for two or three days and hope we may stay here but nothing is sure as yet. There is a great deal of very important work laid out for our Brigade to do and they are out every day. The fortifications on the Maryland side are being put in a perfect state of protection of Washington, and the defenses are being enlarged and improved. I hear we are to have seven new regiments in our Brigade. It will be a big thing then. If we prepare all these fortifications and at the same time fit out all the pontoon bridges that are wanted, we won’t get away from here for some time. Three companies are detached from the regiment now and I think the rest will go in detachments if at all which will leave me here at Headquarters to get supplies for them.
I hear but very little from home. I trust to the [Owego] Gazette for all local news which I read with great interest. I have not heard from Albert [Bacon] or Fanny since I wrote Uncle John [on 5 October 1862]. I do not see Albert’s regiment [30th Illinois Infantry] mentioned in this last Corinth fight so I suppose he was not in it.
I hope we will be able to catch [J. E. B.] Stuart and his cavalry before they get out of Pennsylvania but I hope think he is too smart to be caught. Our movements are too slow for him. You know he was near catching me when he made that raid [last June] between our army and White House [Landing on the Pamunky river]. I happened to get by Tunstall’s Station a short time before he got there. It was more good luck that good management that I did not have a chance to visit Richmond at that time. He got several quartermasters that time and plenty of sutlers on the road.
Washington is the same as ever—the same uncomfortable and expensive place. The only improvement is the street railroads which are now running from the Navy Yard down through Pennsylvania Avenue to Georgetown and a branch up Seventh Street. This war has been a great thing for Washington. The town will be poor enough after the war is over [but] now there is an immense business done here and the businessmen would hate to see the war ended. I got a very handsome suit of winter clothes yesterday, just in time for this change in the weather. I am going to get a stove up this week and be comfortable as long as I do stay here.
I am sory to trouble you about an overcoat and apples and hope you will only trouble yourself far enough to engage some man to do the work for me. Old Forsyth would put up the apples and be glad of the job. I am afraid I shall not be able to visit you this fall. It will be more difficult for me to get away than any other officer in the regiment as I am wanted all the time. I suppose Lilla has gone home. Give my love to Aunt Hat. I would write her if I knew what to write about. We have nothing new here and no news except from the papers. Give my love to Aunts Carrie & Susan, Uncle John, Charley. What has become of Jim Pumpelly and George? I have heard nothing of George or Nat Bosworth in a long time. Where are they? Still expecting your letter, I am your affectionate nephew, — C. P. Bacon
This letter was written by 26 year-old Amos “Niles” Brewster (1837-1865) of Annsville, Oneida county, New York, who enlisted at the age of 26 in late August 1864 as a private in Co. K, 189th New York Infantry. In November 1864, he was transferred to Co. L, 15th New York Engineers with his younger brother, 18 year-old Ananias Brewster (1847-1932), who enlisted at the same time. Upon his enlistment, Amos was described as a 5′ 7.5″ mechanic with grey eyes, and dark hair.
I could not find an image of the Brewster brothers but here is tintype of members of the 15th New York Engineers (Alejandro de Quesada Collection)
Niles and Ananias were the sons of John Brewster (1802-1858) and Elizabeth [Wilbur] (1807-1883) of Annsville, New York. Two other brothers are mentioned in the letter, Aaron J. Brewster, and Daniel D. Brewster—the latter serving as a sergeant in Co. I, 81st New York Infantry at the time.
Brewster’s letter conveys the tragic news to his sister Cynthia that he accidentally shot himself in the foot while cleaning his gun at City Point, Virginia, and was transported to a hospital in Washington D. C. for treatment and recovery. “It will be a good while before I can work with it,” he told her. I couldn’t find a record of his discharge but the injury was most likely disabling—and while comical enough in his telling of the incident, it most likely proved fatal. He died in December 1865, just thirteen months after shooting himself.
Transcription
Washington [D. C.] November 23, 1864
Dear Sister,
I take this time to inform you that I have had the bad luck to get a musket ball shot through my foot. It happened the 14th of November near City Point [Virginia]. I arrived here the 18th. The way it happened, someone put a cartridge in my gun and did not put any cap on. I took my gun to clean. I sat in my tent with it in my lap. I thought I would crack a cap. I did and cracked a hole through my foot too. Mile Hanney lay in the tent with me when it was done.
Ananias [Brewster] had the dysentery some when I left but not very bad but so that he did not work.
I have got a rather bad foot but I guess it is doing very well. It is quite comfortable here. I have a good appetite. I can eat all I can get and I can get all I can eat by playing sharp. I can go it as long as I have a good appetite alright. I wrote a letter to Aaron J. Brewster when I first got here. Will Hanney wrote for me from City Point to him. I expect an answer soon from him.
I shall come home on a furlough if I can get one. It will be a good while before I can work with it. I guess I shall fetch around in time.
I saw Chet Osborne here. He said he saw a man that seen [brother D[aniel D. [Brewster]. He thought he would get along all right. I haven’t any news to write—only Henry [S.] Wetherbee is here with me. He has got a lame knee. He lays in the next bed to me. He has got a good appetite too.
It is rather cool here now. If Jay is not, tell him to write soon. You need not write until you find out whether I get a furlough or not. So goodbye for this time. Give my regards to Mother and all other enquiring friends.
Directions. A. N. Brewster, Engineer Brigade Hospital near the Navy Yard, Washington D. C.
Spared & Shared 23 