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Description:
Seven letters from Orlando R. Chamberlain of the 34th New York Infantry, Company E. Written in ink and pencil and dated from July 1861 to May 1864, letters were written while Chamberlain participated at the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Antietam and the Siege of Yorktown. Excerpt from letter datelined 26 July 1861, Washington, talks about Battle of Manassas: "".it don't look as it was july, you don't see eny grane here, nothing but nigers and solgers.probably you have heard all about the battle here last Sunday, it was so near to us that we could hear the cannonading.we expected to go but didn't go, about the time our men ware retreating we ware ordered to git ready to march. We pack up and come out in about ten minutes, we had sixteen rounds of catriges delt out to us but ware sent back to be ready at eny time to go tho we then began to hear storys about the battle the next morning, some of the solgers that was thare come to our camp and told the sad tail to us."" Excerpt from letter dated 12 December 1861, written to Orlando's brother, William, who recently signed into service: "".We are drilled.hard. We have three brigade drills in a week, then we have company drill and squad drill. Regiment drill oh! I would like to come and see you very much but I cannot just now. Oh! I was glad to hear that you liked it in camp. Well it is a joyis life to live I think.William.be careful of your health and do the best you can and trust in god that he may sustane us and keep us and at last that we may go home and enjoy peace.I never will turn my back to the enemy of our country. Far better.my lines to bleach on the Battlefield, then have that good flag of ours disgraced and dishonored when I think of our four fathers who fought and blead for it. If we do not conquer I never shall go home."" Excerpt from letter written after Chamberlain was injured at Chancelorsville, datelined 7 February 1863, Carver Hospital: "".I am well as ever was in my life. I never had better apatite in my life. It is some mudy here.warm here at present.I should like to be at home to take supper with you all first rate, but as it is I have hopes of coming this spring.They say they are going to discharge all the two years men on the 17th day of May, but be as it may, I am here first you see.Well I hope you will git along well Ma with your work so you will not work so hard now for you have got a close wringer now. Do the best you can and write soon, this from your son, O R Chamberlin."" Chamberlain was discharged for wounds on 20 April 1863 and re-enlisted into the 14th New York Heavy Artillery, Company K, on 28 December 1863 . Excerpt from letter datelined 5 April 1864, Barracks No.1, Elmira New York: "".thare has been a lot of excitement here, they have sent a lot of men a way to day. They don't come to me yet, I expect to be cald on tomorrow.I am well.My coff is better.I was sorry to hear that you had the head acke. I hope you will have good luck a giting in them loggs and with the rest of the work. I am here yet you see, but they are sending us off very fast now, so I expect to go soon. Now do the best you can, I will write as soon as I git seteld, don't write till I do."" Excerpt from letter datelined 27 April 1864, Barracks No.3, Elmira, New York: "".we must hope we shall soon have peace then I can come home. I have not heard from home in over a week, but you have wrote to me but they don't give eney passes here. Now I expect to leave to day or to morrow. I will drop a line to you."" Excerpt from letter datelined 23 May 1864, Camp Fredericksburg, VA: "".we have left.to bowling green and fort Royall every thing goes to the front, all of the heavy artillery is to the front.I should like to be to home to git a meal, and Pop I hope you are doing well and will rase enuff this summer to keep us next winter. So do the best all of you I will write ofen and let you know whare I am."" Chamberlain mustered into service on 15 July 1861 and mustered out on 29 May 1865 as a Corporal. He was taken prisoner on 30 July 1864 at Petersburg, Virginia and exchanged the same day. The 34th New York saw action at Yorktown, Seven Pines and Antietam. Six letters measure 5"" x 8""; single letter measures 7.5"" x 9.5"". Accompanied by one cover. Some mild overall toning and foxing, otherwise near fine condition.
| Status: No Longer Available |
Reference#: 21951 |
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