Letter, Albert Husted to Mother, July 3 and 4, 1863
Dear Mother
Yesterday was a sad though glorious day for Co. E. We had three men killed outright and eight more or less wounded. In return we took ninety prisoners and strewed our front with rebel killed and wounded. Of the prisoners six were officers - one of them being Col. of the 5th Texas - the Reg't that opposed us. Many of these men seemed to think they would be certainly be killed at once and begged us not to shoot them. When assured they would not be harmed they were very grateful and wanted to shake hands. Understand now that all these prisoners were taken by Co. E. - we also took nearly 200 guns. Our lines of battle where we were, were not more than five or six rods apart, and both parties took deliberate aim, and both were somewhat protected by rocks and large stones. For half an hour at least the battle raged in this way. Then the rebs gave way, our boys dashed in, took the prisoners and sent them within our lines. The Reg't had 25 killed and 74 wounded out of something over 300.
July 4, 12 M. I tried twice yesterday to write you but was broken off both times by some change in the position of our Reg't. The 44th was not exposed yesterday, though shells went over us part of the day. Today, also, we are in reserve, the front being occupied by those who have done less fighting. I have not received a scratch though at least a dozen men were either killed or wounded within ten feet of me. Capt. R and Lt. W are unhurt. The Reg't had two officers killed and four wounded. Everything is moving well and there seems no doubt of complete success. The rebs have been repulsed and drien at all points and from 8 to 10 thousand of their men have been taken prisoners. Our army is in fine spirits and anxious to advance. There has been terrible fighting but our men do not run and the rebs seem quite discouraged. We left Aldie Thursday June 26 and in 6 days marched over 100 miles. Last Sunday we rested near Fredericktown, Md. My health is very good. I am not so fat as in the winter but am in good flesh. I am onliged for your kind offer to send me something but nothing can reach me except by mail. Your letter of June 12 reached me last Sunday by the only mail we have had in three weeks. I have plenty of clothes. Andy gave out on the first day's march from Aldie. Grayson, however, is with us and is [what] we really need on the march. Excuse this hasty, disjointed scrawl - the cannon are roaring and I may have to stop at any moment. Assure my friends of my safety. I am not able to write much while the army is so active. Thankful to God for his mercies towards me I remain as ever your affectionate son.
Albert
Transcriber's note: 1 rod=16.5 feet