Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

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Leverett Bradley: A Soldier-Boy’s Letters

November 15, 2013

Leverett Bradley: A Soldier-Boy's Letters (1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery.)

Howtz. Battery, Md. Heights, Nov. 15, 1863.

Dear Family:

Yours found us well and enjoying ourselves to the best advantage. Yesterday the wind was very boisterous and strong, beating the water through the mud on the barracks and wetting things inside.

We have just started a barrack or dance hall, forty feet long by fourteen wide; are anticipating great times as soon as we get it finished. It is a big project as boards are very scarce, expect to have to send to Williamsport Md. for them; it is a company concern and have got nearly $75 subscribed already.

George, I should like to go to the singing school with you; don’t know as it would be very good, but then of course any one expects a little fun at such places. Re-enlistment papers are expected every day. If matters go on as they have for the last month or so, I think it is a poor inducement to enlist. News is not very brilliant; but from what we can hear, there is a general forward movement the whole line. The way things are now, a man would not like to be taken prisoner; they are trying their best to starve them, and so far have been very successful. The evenings are beginning to be quite long and we pass them off very agreeably by getting a negro in and getting him to dancing; he is sure to go as long as the music lasts, we have a great deal of sport with them.

Much love to all.

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