Chester Hamilton Ballard (1843-1916) enlisted in Co. A of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry in August 1862. “Organized at Camp Briggs, and comprised mainly of men recruited in the four western counties of the state, the 37th Massachusetts was sent to the vicinity of Washington, D.C., via Fort Hamilton, N.Y., but it was some time before they found a definite corps assignment. Once attached to the 6th Corps of the Army of the Potomac, however, they soon found themselves involved in the thick of the war. Joining the main body of the army in the Blue Ridge in November, they participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg, helping to lead the crossing of the Rappahannock on December 11th, and covering the retreat on the 15th. 

After overwintering near White Oak Church, the 37th participated in the assault on Marye’s Heights (2nd Fredericksburg) on May 3rd, and were engaged on the following day at the Battle of Salem Church. Later in the summer, they were rushed into action at Gettysburg, arriving to participate in the action on July 3rd, and were then ordered to New York City to quell the draft riots.

Their most memorable action, however, may have been during the Wilderness-Spotsylvania campaigns in May 1864. Thrown into confusion at the Battle of the Wilderness, the regiment lost 54 men, and a few days later that lost another 32 at the Bloody Angle in Spotsylvania. The 37th Infantry remained in the vicinity of Petersburg, suffering continual losses in both men and morale, until ordered to help repel Jubal Early’s raid on Washington late in the summer. Newly equipped with Spencer seven-shot repeating rifles, the regiment pursued Early into the Shenandoah Valley and was placed under Philip Sheridan’s command during the fall campaign of 1864. They were engaged at Charles Town and the 3rd Battle of Winchester, before being returned to the Petersburg front in December. Though their ranks were greatly reduced, the 37th remained active until the final battles of the war in the east, including the final assault on Petersburg, Sailor’s Creek, and Appomattox Court House.”

Chester was born in Brookline, Vermont, the son of Alexander H. Ballard. He spent his early life in Brookline and in Ludlow, Massachusetts. When the war began, Chester was engaged n the grocery and meat business in Springfield and ten days before his 19th birthday he mustered into the 37th Massachusetts. He was promoted to Orderly Sergeant before the close of the war. After he mustered out of the service at war’s end, he went to Chicopee and entered the grocery business again.

Fourteen of Chester’s letters can be found in the University of Michigan’s William L. Clements Library. See Chester H. Ballard papers, 1862-1864.

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

Near Petersburg [in camp near Warren Station]
January 15, 1865

Dear Parents,

Sunday night again and I never miss a Sunday. We have been very busy all day and I could not get time until this evening. First we had a rigid inspection at 10 a.m. This lasted until noon. Then we had to make out a list of clothing wanted in this company. This occupied all the time until time for dress parade. Then it was time to get supper so you see every day is nearly alike. There is no rest Sunday any more than any day.

There has been considerable firing along the lines today—more than any day since we came back, but has been none in front of us. All is very quiet in front of our lines. The pickets are very friendly. Lieut. [David M.] Donaldson is on picket today.

The picture I sent you was not a borrowed one. It is a picture of Miss Laura V. Arnold of Winchester and belongs to me.

We have now had four or five days of splendid weather. The roads are in very good condition and if this continues, Grant might be getting up a reconnoissance in force. I hope not at present. I do not want to have the campaign commence very early this spring. I have seen about enough campaigning. Perhaps you do not know that I am a veteran of 16 pitched battles. All of them lasted over 6 hours and 10 over 3 days. We have lain 38 days under artillery fire and in good musket range. There are but six original members of Co. A who have been through all the campaigns, and probably some of those six will fall before our 7 months are up as it is said a soldier’s average number of battles is five.

News? I have none. There is not any in the regiment. There is nothing but roll calls, drills, inspections and dress parade. Any of them would not interest you without you could see them and do not me only to get over them as soon as possible and it is getting time to close. Remember to write often. With my love, — Chester

Monday morning, January 16th

I received Father’s letter of the 12th after I had got through and was very glad to hear from you.

How did you hear we were short of rations? I have never said a word about it but then it is so. We never lived as short as we are this winter. I do not know the reason. We get about 3 days rations every five, but we are promised every few days to get better the next time. If you are a mind to send me a small box, I think I should get it. They come to the regiment every few days but do not put yourselves to much trouble or expense to get one up. But there goes the drum for drill. Will write in a few days. — Chester