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https://micivilwar.com/authors/clark-gardner-b/
Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned: Mine Run, Virginia
Historical Figures: George G. Meade, Robert E. Lee
Army of the Potomac
Near Brandy Station Va
Dec. 4th 1863
My Mary.
My Own Loved Wife.
This is the
first opportunity I have had in ten
days to put my pen on paper we
pushed up the 24th ult. but did not
march until Thursday the 26th making
our way to the Rapidan which we crossed
that night, The 27th we lay idle in
“the wilderness” until past noon. when
we moved up to the front where there
had been heavy skirmishing since
day light.
Owing to the heavy timber nei-
ther side could use artillery and for
the first time our Regt. was thrown
in in line of battle, and for more
than two hours it was give and take
without any great advantage on either
side. darkness closed the conflict. My
Co. lost one killed and four wounded
the Regt one officer and six men
killed. thirty four wounded.
Osman was with
me a part of the time. he was struck by
a ball in his overcoat on the first
button under the chin but did not
leave the field. his Regt. lost heavy
Afterward until the 5 cl we had no
fighting but wandered about in dens-
est wood I ever saw reminding one
of the “lost children.” but we were
not lost so but the Rebs could find
us. Monday the 30th we attacked them
just as the sun was coming over
the hills. we were skirmishers
and with the Third Mich. soon drove
them about half a mile loosing
Lieut. Co. Trepp killed and four men
wounded. Col. Trepp has been in
command of the Regt. for nearly
a year. he was the best commander
we ever had and his loss will be
deeply felt and never filled in the
Regt. Tuesday night we started
back reaching camp Thursday
morning at day break being gone
from camp just a week. My “Palace”
was waiting for me nearly as I left
and if Gens. Meade and Lee are
will I will pass a few months in
persuit of happiness under difficulties
within its walls. During the time
we were out I got but very little sleep
the cold was so intense that even
three blankets would not keep me
warm without a pot fire to my feet
To day I received four letters from
you the first mail since Wednesday.
week.
My love and a dozen kisses
Mary Gardner
[On Envelope:]
Miss Mary J. Baxter
Grand Rapids
(Box 450) Michigan
