Letter, Albert Husted to Rodney Kimball, July 12, 1863
[ed. note from The Echo's editorial staff] - The following interesting wartime letter is published through the courtesy of Dr. A. N. Husted. To us, to whom the conditions of the war exist only in history, this letter comes as a realistic and exceedingly interesting glimpse of the incidents that were of almost daily occurrence in the life of a soldier at the front:Bivouac near Antietam Creek,
Dear Kimball. - We seem likely to have a short rest to-day, and I will try to improve it. Your letter of June twenty-third was received on the seventh inst. *** None of Company E were hurt (in the "severe engagement") of which you speak - it was but a skirmish. On the march from Catlett's station to Manassas Junction the heat overcame me, and I was obliged to halt. The division went but a mile further when it was obliged to stop, as the men were dropping by sunstroke. Next day we rested, and the following day, which was one of the hottest and dustiest, marched to Gum Spring. I stood it well. My health is now very good. *** Sergeant Willett has continued to improve and well earned a commission at Gettysburg. It was through him principally that Company E took the ninety prisoners. He was in a favorable position to see the Rebs fall back, and immediately advanced with Prudhom, D. F. Ferris and two or three others. He took two swords and one splendid revolver. Ferris got a sword, also Corporal Mills, and one or two others. The number of prisoners is rather under than overstated. I took charge of them, and, with a little assistance, marched them to the rear, taking the precaution to count them, though I could not be very accurate, as they continued to straggle in for perhaps fifteen minutes. They thought they were falling into the hands of the militia and expected to be shown no mercy. One of them was shot in the back by a rebel bullet while imploring me not to shoot him with my revolver.
I will now tell you of the Normals and others who have left us recently. First the killed:
Wolcott, L. Burnham and S. Munson, all shot through the head, I believe, and died almost
instantly. We buried them side by side beneath a black walnut tree and placed a board marked
with their names and the order of internment. They fought bravely and well. We have scarcely
had time to grieve for them - perhaps it is as well. But, oh, the dead and wounded about us when
the remnant of that Texas brigade fell back! Just near me lay men of Company E, some of the
Eighty-third Pennsylvania and some of the One Hundred Fortieth New York, which came to our
support. While I was gone with the prisoners a new line of Rebs approached and Company E
changed its position a little. When I returned I went directly to our first position, thinking the
boys were lying close, when, to my astonishment, I saw that what I supposed to be men ready for
fight were dead and wounded.
The Rebs came through the woods; we were just in the edge, at the foot of a rocky hill which commanded almost our whole army. Had the Rebs got possession of this hill, it might have gone hard with us. The "new line" came not very close and fired but little, and soon withdrew. Then we went forward to see the killed and wounded. Our first volley, given at short range and in full view, cut them badly. The dead lay all about, some in groups of half a dozen or more. The wounded of Company E, so far as I have learned, are: Sprague, shoulder, not dangerous; Corporal Thompson, part of nose shot away, slight; Barrick, while carrying the colors, neck and shoulder; Chafee, both legs, probably lose one; D. Thompson, mouth, not very serious; Traver, breast, dangerous; Esmay, hand and arm; P. Thompson, part of ear shot away, slight; Crawford, neck, slight, attending the worse injured.
Burke was sent to hospital June 7th; Adams, April 27th; Burroughs, June 7th; D. Burnham, Burgess and Updike fell out on the march and have not come up; Darling, sent to hospital June 16th; Dennis, April 30th; Hanes, June 7th; Hunt, April 25th; C. MacDuffy, same as Updike; W. Munson, sent to hospital July 5th; Corporal Rowley and A. Royal, June 28th; Sommers, April 25th; Wilder, June 17th.
But forty muskets of Company E actually got into the Gettysburg fight. To-day we number thirty-four. Captain Royce is sick at a house some two miles distant; I fear he will be off duty some time. Captain Larabee cannot receive the word you sent. He was probably the first Forty-fourth man hit.
When the Third Brigade reached its position his company was sent out as skirmishers.
Reaching the top of a ridge, the rebel line was seen close upon them. They retired at once, but a
rebel bullet struck him under the shoulder blade and passed completely through. He fell on his
face and died. His body was recovered and buried beside Lieutenant Dunham, who was shot
under the eye. Lieutenant Thomas was wounded, and we learn, is dead. Captain Munger was
wounded slightly. Captain Bowen and Lieutenant Zielman were also wounded. I must hurry;
things look like a move.
July 13, 7 A. M. The "general" sounded as I finished that last sentence at 11 A. M. yesterday. We marched, countermarched, formed divisions, line of battle and rested for the remainder of the day. Towards night there was a very heavy shower - fully an inch of water fell.
Our line of battle here seems to extend from the Potomac to Antietam creek, a distance of five or six miles. For two days past this line has been gradually advancing northward. The regiments formed double columns at half distance and the whole line moved at the same time - pioneers going ahead (behind the skirmishers) to knock down the fences. The Rebs fall back as we advance, making but little resistance. It is said that we are now near their intrenchments, but the bugles blow and the fires are as lively as though we were a hundred miles away. I am in doubt as to what Lee is doing, but should not be disappointed to learn that a strong line of skirmishers is holding our formidable array in check, and that Lee is safe beyond the Potomac.
The past month has been one of severe labor for this whole army. Our general health is good, but we begin to look somewhat worn and haggard.
For the week preceding the Gettysburg battle we marched fully one hundred miles - some days as many as twenty-five. From Aldie the weather was very favorable, and the roads generally good - no dust, and not much mud, till after the battle. The principal towns on our line of march from Aldie are *** We are now near the right of the line and not over four miles from Hagerstown. The morning is cloudy and does not open very lively. We have been expecting a fight for the past three days - will probably get it soon enough.
I am glad you are able to go back to your former sphere - suppose you were in Albany on the ninth. Please write me about it.
I have written fast - too fast perhaps - but now we know not that a moment more is our own.
Regards to Mrs. K and interested friends.
Very truly yours,
A. N. Husted