Pointon, Mair – May 11, 1863

Michigan Civil War Collection Letters


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/pointon-mair/
Regiment: 6th Wisconsin Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: George Stoneman, James S. Wadsworth, Joseph Hooker Camp near White Oak Church, Va May 11th 1863 Dear Brother I received your most interesting letter last night. Glad to hear you are all well as this leaves me at present. We have had some hard times since we left Belle Plain. Our regiment has been where they was hard fighting but was not engaged only on the left below Fredericksburg. On the 28th of April at 12 oclock we left camp marched to the River near the old Washington Farm 5 miles below Fredericksburg. Early in the morning of the 29th the Engineer Corps tried to lay the Pontoon Bridge across. But the Rebel Sharp Shooters drove them away every time The Rebs had to be drove away and General Wadsworth commanding our division detailed the 6th Reg and 24 Michigan to cross the river in pontoon boats and drive the rebs from the bank Rather ticklish work riding across a river 100 yds wide in an open boat and an enimy shooting at you all the time As soon as the order came to cross the boys fired a volley and double quicked it down the bank got in the boats and pushed off. They fired a few shots while crossing. As soon as the boats struck the shore they gumped out and went up the hill with a yell, and charge bayonets The rebs thought that the “devil” was after them The way they run The boys captured over 100 prison 1 man would bring in 5 or 6 Rebs. The boys call that their naval engagement. night of 29th the boys throwed up breast works so to hold their position better I cant see what we was over there for unless to keep part of the Rebel force there while Hooker crossed at the “United States Ford” which he did Our Division (1st) was all that crossed below Fred, the rest of our corps (1st) staid on this side. Our division recrossed on 2d May and the corps. marched to U.S. Ford. Hooker sent them in as reserve I did not see the Regt after the 2d until the 7th there in this camp so I did not see any of the fighting on the Right or at Fredericksburg But I heard the fireing on the 3d  the time Hooker brought 22 pieces of artillery to bear on them while they was advancing and driving the 11th Army Corps He made the rebs turn their faces the other way The artillery fired at a rate of 1 gun per second. Those that heard the musketry and artillery together said it was one continual roll and worst of all the shells set the woods on fire and burned some of the wounded to death. Awful even to think off. Our cavalry have done well. they deserve great praise they bother the Rebs a great deal Genl Stoneman is the man in the Right place he make the cavalry do some thing they went within two miles of Richmond tore up and destroyed the R.R. track between the Rebs here and Richmond I think if we would wait the Rebs would have to come out and fight us on ground of our own choosing You can see by the papers how things was on the Right better than I can tell you But I thought I would tell you what our Regt did for you get nothing but Eastern papers and to hear them tell Eastern troops do it all The New York papers said the 14th Brooklyn Regt cross on the left first they did on the pontoon bridge. There is one good thing the Genl know whom does the best fighting eastern or western troops I heard that his troops made the first crossing at every point the 6th on the left the 3d on the Right and 5 at Fredericksburg the Genl know whom to trust Our Regt loss was small 12 wounded and 3 killed. 1 wounded in our Co (James Whitty) Well now a word about other matters You gave me good advice and I will profit by it I can guard my thoughts so none can posses them now When ever you have any advice to give me it will be thankfully received and appreciated by me I think you have a good chance to get along now with the Pottery and of your Patent succedes I should think it would be in great demand after this war is settled we will try the crockery business the first thing and I believe we can make it pay if we work the thing right and I believe we can. Mother is going to build her house 1 1/2 story hight 2 bedrooms – Pantry and a large room George is going to build it at 12 shillings per day I sent mother 80 Dollars 26th of April have not heard from it yet sent in by Adams Express I guess it is all safe Wyman lent me 30 Dol. and I sent 50 of my pay we recieved 4 mothings pay $52.00 Wyman is well sends his respects to all He is in the “Engineering Corps” I see him most every day. I am glad I took a likeing to him the first time I saw him We have been like brothers even since What belongs to him is mine and whats mine is his also I wish you had come down and seen me while you was in Washington you could have got a pass from the the Provost Marshal Genl and came in a government Boat I would not have cost you anything You had ought to have gone to the Smith- sonian Institute I was worth more than all the rest to me. I could spend one week looking at the things in it. I have not heard From Fanny for along time expect a letter tonight. We are having nice weather now But while on the march it rained two day made the roads very muddy. It makes the sweat drop from ones nose to walk far now. I will close this long letter now with my love to all. From your affectionate Bro Mair Pointon Co. A, 6th Wisconsin To P. Pointon Trenton New Jersey