This letter was probably written to a member of Co. G., 21st Massachusetts Infantry — a company that had several young men from Ashburnham, Massachusetts, within its ranks. The letter was written by his sister who signed her name “Susie” and datelined the letter from that village. She also mentions having written to James M. Garnett of Ashburnham, who originally joined Co. G but transferred after a few months to Co. H, where he became a sergeant.
A clue to the identity of the correspondents may be Alfred O. Johnson, a lieutenant with the 42nd Illinois Infantry whom the author called a cousin.
The 21st Massachusetts had joined Pope’s army in mid August 1863 and were soon to be engaged in the Second Battle of Bull Run which would be a disastrous defeat for over-confident Pope.
For a letter written by a member of Co. G, 21st Massachusetts Infantry on January 20th 1863, see 1863: Luther Emerson Stewart to Sister.
TRANSCRIPTION
Ashburnham [Massachusetts]
Tuesday Eve, August 26, 1862
Darling Brother,
It is some time since I have written to you but longer since you have to me. You owe me about six or a half dozen, I believe.
I wrote to you and James Garnett about the time that you left Newport News, or rather you left there before the letter got there. So if you don’t get the letter you may know that I wrote you one and you may answer it just the same and tell Jim that I answered his.
I suppose that Mother has written all the news for she wrote before I did and told who has enlisted. But perhaps she did not think of them all so I will name some of them though I do not know them all. They have about 30. I don’t know whether they are all from this town or not. Joel Otis, Eli Howe, George Barrett, Edd Cushing, J. Merriam, F. Balcom, Ranee Stowell, Bill Rich, Aaron Butrick, and a good many I don’t know and so don’t remember their names. These — all but Otis — go for 9 months. He goes for three years. C. ___ Russell is going Marshall. Jules husband has gone. Howard enlisted but they would not take him. George has gone too. They are in the 9 V. M. They left camp yesterday for Washington — 3-year men.
Jule has got two brothers out there and if Howard had gone, her husband and all her brothers would be gone.
As for me, I am behaving pretty well now for me — only cut up some of my capes once in a while. Tonight at dark I went and let the bucket down the well. Well that ain’t no more than I have done before. But the other day I acted so awfully, had the high sheriff had to come and take me and carry me to Fitchburg. But I have behaved better since.
Lizzie White told me to tell you that you had not answered her last letter yet. She has applied for a bill from Ivers.
I had a letter from Josiah a little while ago. He was well. Said that he had not heard from you for a long time. May Martin told me which I wrote to you to give her best respects to you and tell you that she had had her boot ride So we have all had our ride.
I suppose you have heard about Ephraim’s bring wounded. I expect that he is hurt pretty bad. Not much hopes for him. ¹ Ben Fay killed instantly. ²
So you and Mr. Strong have come together. I am glad of it. And now as you are there near together, I wish that you would go to Pope’s Army to the 42nd Illinois and inquire for Lieut. Johnson and see him. He would be very glad indeed to see you. It is cousin Alfred. I want you to see him ever so much. Now you will, won’t you? ³
O, I must tell you that young Dr. is married. Yes, he is married. Last week he went off and when he come back, his wife was with him. But I must close my sheet is most full and I must leave room to say goodbye. With lots of love, — Susie
Leonard Hastings enlisted and went into camp and had one of his spells and they would not take him. But they say that he has enlisted again. Hope that he will keep safe this time.
¹ Ephraim W. Moore enlisted from Boston in Company F, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. He died 20 August 1862 from wounds received in the engagement of Cedar Mountain.
² Benjamin F. Fay enlisted at age 22 on 11 May 1861 at Ashburnham in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. He was a corporal and was killed carrying the flag on 4 July 1862 during the Battle of Cedar Mountain on 9 August 1862.
³ Alfred O. Johnson of Andover, Massachusetts, enlisted at Chicago as a sergeant in Co. G, 42nd Illinois Infantry on 29 July 1861. He was commissioned a 2d Lieutenant on 20 May 1862 and promoted again to 1st Lieutenant on 1 April 1863. He died of wounds on 8 December 1863.
Spared & Shared 10 