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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: William D. Whipple
Stoneman’s Siding Virginia
May 10th 1863
Dear Father,
Another great battle has
been fought without a decisive result.
Gory know the particulars better
than I can describe them. Our whole
army fought well except the 11
th Corps
which being surprised disgraceful
broke and fled. This was the victory
we might have obtained torn from
our grasp by fate.
The Rebels, I am convinced,
are terribly in earnest. They think
they are fighting for Liberty, and
History, tells us how desperate such
men fight.
My duty led me to join
our regiment in the late engagement.
Besides furnishing the command
with rations lost in battle under
great difficulties having to transport
them several miles on pack mules. I
found time to join the men in
our rifle pits.
The 3rd Corps to which
we are attached, did great execution.
The Sharp Shooters have gained
imperishable honors. It is now
indeed honorable to belong to the
Brigade of Sharp Shooters. A part
of our regiment
[ ? ] companies C + S
captured the whole of a Georgia
regiment numbering upwards of
390 men.
We have lost some of our
most valuable men among them
Lt. Byron Breiver Co. “C” He died
as a soldier should. Charing
the enemy.
Our colors were yesterday hoisted
at half mast in honor to General
Whipple who commanded our division
and was mortally wounded by a Rebel
SharpShooter. He was much loved
by all + a great friend of the Sharpshooters.
Col. Berdan is likely
to secure his promotion to Brig.
Genl. On the strength of the good
conduct of his command.
I yesterday recd. A
comission as Lieutenant in Co. “I”
from Gor. Plain. And shall probably
be ordered to duty in that company
as soon as I am “mustered in” as
an Officer. My commission dates
from February 4
th though as I have
not been on duty in the company
shall not draw pay only from the
9
th of May 1863.
I would much rather
remain in the Q.M. Dept. as acting
Quartermaster but the officer now
acting
[ ? ] it and it is doubtful
about my getting it. Many rate this
is step No. 2 toward the goal of
my ambition and if I do go into
battle I hope to merit the approval
of my commanding officers and
perform my duty to my country
faithfully.
We are located in our
old camps and making every
exertion to prepare for a renewal
of active operations against the
Enemy.
With much love to all
I anxiously look for letters from
home. From your affectionate Son
G. W. Sheldon
P.S.
I fancy my name would look
odd, written with the prefix Lieut
but suppose one must “grin and bear it”
G.W.S.
