Letter from George Wolcott to his Uncle George and Aunt Juliette
Reprinted with permission from the William Howard Collection, United States Army Military History Institute:
Camp Near Falmouth, Va.
May 13, 1863
My Dear Uncle and Aunt:
Another battle has been fought, another victory won and I am left to tell the tale unharmed and well, so you will please banish any fears that may have arisen in your mind concerning my welfare and safety. I would have relieved your anxiety long before this, but from the time the Army began to move forward untill it was safe again on this side of the Rappahannock no mails were allowed to come or go further than Acquia Creek, hence my long silence.
To give you a faithful description of the battles would require much time and be necessarily a tedious task, and as I have mailed some papers to Hattie containing very good accounts, I will only mention a few incidents that came under my respectially notice and relate my experience in some things. Our corps (5) was not entirely engaged and our Division not at all so we occupied rifle pits for several days and held ourselves in rediness to give the enemy battle if they attacked us on the extreme right. This they declined to do which was a wise move for them, for Gen. Griffins batteries which our Brigade supported would have made sad havoc in their ranks had they attempted it.
The heaviest fighting was on Saturday night and Sunday on which day (Sunday) it lasted 6 hours in succession. The grandest sight I witnessed was about 5 o'clock Sabbath afternoon, when a large body of rebels came boldly out of the woods in front of our batteries, formed in line of battle and fired a volley upon us. At this moment Gen. Griffins batteries on the left threw a murderous fire of grape, canister and shell among their ranks which mowed them down terribly and compelled them to beat a hasty retreat for the woods. It was grand, terrible, awful to see such brave men fall. The rebels fight with a desperation unequalled. We captured 47 prisoners after the engagement which lasted but a few moments.
Gen. Hooker might be seen riding about on his gray steed at all times regardless of shot or shell. On Wednesday morning we were called up to pack our things and prepare to evacuate the place, our troops on the left having taken and lost Fredericksburg. There was some disappointment manifested but it has long since worn away and the men have the most unbound faith in Gen. Hooker. I said another "victory" has been "won," yes although many in the North do not see it in that light. I think the result of good generalship which stole two days march upon the enemy, crossed the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers and succeeded in reaching Chancellorsville without losing any life with such an army was indeed a greater victory achieved than if we had fought to obtain it. The latter place was only evacuated by the rebels 3 hrs. before we arrived there at "Old Tavern" and here they had been to work all night + up to 9 A. M. that morning digging rifle pits which were used by us afterwards advantageously. "Surely he hath digged a pit and fallen into the ditch which he hath made." Again our engagement at Chancellorsville resulted in great loss to the Rebels, besides keeping them concentrated and thereby giving Stoneman a good chance to commit depredations with his cavalry. The rebel Gen. Lee at Fredericksburg sent word to Hooker a day or two since that their supplies from Richmond was cut off and our wounded were suffering for want of proper care. Medical stores were sent over with Surgeons to attend to them. Dr. Spence of our Regiment went over yesterday but has returned. As he was paroled to reveal nothing to advantage he does not say much about them. He was treated very gentlemanly indeed.
There were many dead rebel bodies scattered around the city. Our ambulences were busy yesterday in bringing our dead across the river. We had 4 men wounded in this Regt. two of whom belonged to our company. The 2 years and 9 months men are leaving every day for the North to be discharged as their time of service has expired.
The weather is extremely hot here. We are under marching orders and have been since we returned. The Baltimore Clipper yesterday reported us across the river pursuing the rebels at a rapid pace - it is all a [indecipherable].
I have lately rec'd. a letter from Julia. She is at 97 1st St. Albany and is well. Uncle William writes that he and his people are also in good health. I have not had but one letter from mother in 9 months. I hear through Grandpa White that she has moved in a house near the post office and has 7 boarders besides her mother, sister, sister in law and child. She is well.
I saw Charlie Hamlin just before the advance of the army. He was here and looks well and hearty.
I have nothing of interest else to write this morning so I will close. Please remember me to Aunt Etta and family also my kindest regards to Hattie.
I remain,
Your affectionate nephew,
George B. Wolcott
44 Regt. N. Y. S. V. Co. E
Washington DC
Edmund and Julia Wolcott
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