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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned: Chancellorsville, Virginia
Historical Figures: Amiel W. Whipple, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson
Army of the Potomac
May 14th 1863
My Loved Mary,
The smoke of conflict
has nearly cleared away and one can see = if any
there is to see = the results of the latest movement of
the Army of the Potomac. As one of its fruits the
greatest of our foes. = And I do not hesitate to say
the greatest General of our day has paid the tribute
of his life to the
cause he served. Stonewall Jack=
=son is no more for this world, only as he lives
in the memory of his Country men Brave and true
the “Noblest “Traitor.” of them all.” he died madly devoted=
=ly loved by his comrades in arms. Respected and
admired by every true lover of nobleness honor.
and true bravery. Throughout the world.
Perhaps you will think it strange I should
eulogize the character of a “Rebel.” He was my
enemy while alive with death that enmity ceases.
and I love to do honor to the brave and noble
dead. What care I on which side he yielded up
so valuable a life. Would it have added an addition=
=al lustre to his bright and glorious example to have
it said “He was a Unionist.” I say no; he was just
noble and true and as well worthy our highest
respect and admiration as though he had been our
friend instead of foe. Did I tell you the brave
part “our” good old C. “C.” performed in the memora=
=ble battle of Chancellorville May 3
rd I think I did not.
On Saturday wee had skirmished a long distance taking
three hundred sixty five prisoners. But had been by Jackson
cut off from the main Army and no alternative but
fight our way through vastly superior forces, or submit
to capture. I think nearly our whole Corps was
with us. Three brilliant charges were made during
the night which cleared a path probably three fourths
of a mile wide. A narrow lane for wide folk like us,
We retreated about a mile and were stationed in a
piece of the “Wilderness.” On the north side of the
Gordonsville and Fredricksburg Pike, musketry firing
was very heavy in front. Two Cos “P” & “B” were sent
forward and deployed. In going a few rods they
were out of sight. We obtained permission to take
our Co forward which we did. And coming upon the
line of the other Co. which had proceeded us but few of
the men could be found of said Co.
We could see nothing of any troops except oc=
=casionally a wounded man or straggler going to the
rear. We lay down. Soon the strugglers became nu=
merous some by our orders would halt and stay with
us. forming in all some sixty men. (C. Co. had forty eight.)
Suddenly a few of our men on the right commenced
firing. As I supposed they were some of “Hookers.” I made
them stop, but some thing suspicious caused me to look
a little farther to the front. Stepping not over ten feet
forward I saw a line of “Grey Backs” comprising not
less than one thousand and not more than fifty yards
off. Another instant and my brave boys were at them
the Rebs. Fired but one volley with those terrible death
dealing Sharps Rifles we thined their ranks and
ere they had time to reload We Charged. They threw away
their arms by scores and gave themselves up. Directly
where their line was lay more than one hundred
of their dead and wounded. Such savage work I
never saw. Gen Whipple was with us at the com=
=mencement and ere he died being afterward woun=
ded. Declared we saved a large portion of the
Third Army Corps from being entirely cut off.
But were I with you I could tell a much
prettier story.
O that I were.
Yesterday a letter came for one of our dead heroes
I opened it. It was from a young lady his love.
She had just heard of the battle and picking up
a pencil wrote that in imagination she saw him
lying in the pile of noble martyrs slain.
She felt deeply and I know there were tears in
her eyes and sadness in her heart. She did not
sign her name but one of the men who knew her
sent it back to her. I received yours of the
sixth. I am glad you are so hopeful it give
me more confidence. And I do my work with
a lighter heart. I hardly feel like staying here
I’ve nothing to bind me since Brewers death.
With love and many a kiss
Good night.
Gardner
