The following letter was written by Charles F. Smith (1836-1928) who was enumerated in 1860 in the household of his brother George Smith (1828-1919) who had a farm near Unity, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. George was married to Maggie M. Orr (1830-Aft1900) of Limestone, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1851.

A 1902 committee on pensions Senate Report claims that Charles entered the service on 9 September 1861 as 1st Sergeant of Co. K, 53rd Pennsylvania. He was subsequently promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant. He mustered out in June 1865. He was wounded in the neck at Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862, and again in the lower jaw at Gettysburg on 2 July 1863.

Readers are referred to the following articles pertaining to the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry at Fredericksburg and at Gettysburg:

“Our Men were Cut Down Like Grass: With the 53rd Pennsylvania at Marye’s Heights” by Dan Masters, May 25, 2024

“The 53rd Pennsylvania, Brooke’s Brigade, and the Wheatfield,” by Ty DeWitt.

This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr who made it available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.

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

Headquarters 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps
[Warrenton Junction, Va.]
November 2nd 1863

Dear Brother & Sister,

Knowing that you are always anxious to hear from me although I do not or have not received a letter from you yet, knowing that our mails are very irregular and perhaps you have not received mine which I wrote long time ago soon after my return. Well, I am very well. Never felt better or more contented though plenty of work and frequent marching.

Our army seems destined to perform great marches, fight terrible battles with but little results apparently. In the Western Armies they have been more successful but why this is [is] the great question over which so many stumble, each writer giving a different answer. The opinion of our commanders and men generally on that question is that Lee commands the largest and best army of the South. He being without doubt the first General in America. Consequently the men are well handled, the fight terrible, the country—owing to its hills, its river, and natural fortifications to which is added all that modern engineering can produce, great minds are opposed to us. Generals of skill and energy which were they commanding our armies would make this war easy and soon closed.

But we are confident that we have right on our side. Hence our confidence and determination. We all think that our General (Meade) will do wonders. He has proven himself to be a man for. the times. Since the organization of the Army of the Potomac, Gen. McClellan has been identified with it. As a Corps Commander, he [Meade] had no equals. And as for Gen. McClellan, I am done with him as far as Politics is concerned. The letter he wrote some time before the Pennsylvania Election will satisfy all men on the subject of right and wrong. He said he agreed with Mr. Woodward in every particular. Well now, Mr. Woodward is undoubtedly a Copperhead and the same conclusion we may make about our once favorite general. This is a hard pull for me, you know. The love I had for him as a man, not saying anything about him as a general for as the latter all the generals in this army think there is none better. His skill was unequal, we all firmly believe. But he was a young man and too much praise was lavished on him. This will ruin anyone and especially a young man. This is the hope we have of Gen. Meade. He is a man of 60, or nearly, very thoughtful and determined.

There is great excitement now about the old regiments enlisting for three years longer and as great many will enlist and have done so already, our regiment will go, you may be sure. I have put my name down. What do you think of it? Well, when we look at the matter cooly, we may as well enlist as go home and be drafted and then be obligated to come again in a much lower capacity and with not so much honor and respect. For my part, “My life for my country.” I will sacrifice ease comfort and [ ] life if required. It’s dear but this government must be preserved and ourlaws sustained. The opposition to our cause is great but the right must and will through the blessing of God be upheld.

We are now near Warrenton Junction. Our whole army is on a line with us and a forward movement is expected daily. We are ordered to have 15 days rations in haversack and wagon which will take us to the Rappahannock distance 25 miles. We have not the orders to march but no doubt will have by night. Yes, before this reaches you, we will be marching on the enemy but the probabilities of a battle is rather small from the fact that the Rebels will fall back as we approach and only attempt to defend their Capitol which they will succeed in doing for a time at least.

I have a good little horse—one that can jump anything in the shape of a fence and stone walls and such. You ought to see him. Then we have a roomy tent, only two of us. Capt. [Henry J.] Smith of our regiment is Act. A. D. C. at present. We live finely, have chicken, fresh pork, beef, mutton, &c. So you need not be anxious to our comfort in that respect. I must tell you that if our regiment enlists for three years longer, we will get home for 90 days to recruit to the number of 1,000 and if we do go, will start soon—say in two weeks or so.

I must close. Love to all the dear, cute children. Kiss them for me. How I do love them. How sorry I was to hear of the death of little Maggie. I hope your health and lives may be spared. Have you your corn husked yet? I know it must be good. Well, much love to all the friends. I am your brother, — Charles

Remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Elan Nelson. B. is well and in fine spirits.

Address Lt. C. F. Smith, A. D. C., Col. [John R.] Brooke, Commanding 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps, Washington City, D. C.