Joseph E. Shaw Collection: Letter #24

Donated By Robert Gritman

 

Head Qrs 38th Regt N.Y.V.
June 27th, 1862

Dear Ed,

                        I suppose by this time you have heard of the Skirmish we had on the 25th so I write this to let you know that I am all right and so are all the rest of the boys.  For some reason or other word was given out the day before that we were to have a Brigade Drill and consequently the boys were all ready.  But the next morning an order came for the men to take one day rations and then they began to open their eyes.  The Regiment was marched out to the front, where they remained on the reserve until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon when they were ordered to go into the woods and relieve the 3 Maine.  They did so and had hardly got their position when bang! bang! rattle bang!  The Secesh opened fire on them and such volleys too, as their fired would have made a person think that no one could escape unharmed but whether it was because the Regiment is so small that they could not hit it or whether the men are invincible of course I do do not know.  They are now in Camp.  A Report came last night that Jackson was defeated.  I must close now as the mail is going out.  There is heavy cannonading going on on our right & we expect news from there every minute of a victory of some kind.  Give the enclosed to Gus as I believe I have sent you one although if not quite so high a value.  You now owe me three (3) letters.  Give my love to all & answer as soon as possible.

                                                Your Afft. Brother
                                                J. E. Shaw

P.S. we have not been paid off yet

Also enclosed with letter was a $0.50 Confederate note issued from the State of Virginia.