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

Fort Craig, Va., Oct. 15, 1862.

Dear Family:

The men suffer very much from cold, having had no blankets since the advance, only what they could pick up, and nothing but the soft side of a board to sleep on; but I sleep as well as at home, having nearly all the conveniences of that place.

You think I had better “stop in camp than go out roaming around the country”? Well the fact is, a fellow gets tired of laying round, and another reason is, I want to see the country; it is different from that in Mass., being hills and valleys everywhere. I should like to go to a meeting where there is some kind of a man going to speak; have not heard one since being out here and fear that I am no better on account of it, although but little good our Chaplain would or could do. As for the country being ruined, I think it will get along as well as usual for some time to come. Our men can fight as well as the southerners; but no better. They have got good fighting blood and are as smart as we; but it is supposed we outnumber them; still, don’t know. They have held their own with us so far and should not be surprised if they did to the end. The Capt. has got his papers at last. Shall not expect a box, now the Capt. has gone, till Thanksgiving.

I suppose Frank has got to be quite an old man by this time and thinks he is boss.

About those photographs; we can get fine ones taken over in the city. Which would you rather have, the whole body or the bust? I think the latter for me, as they say I am a tall gawky looking fellow. The report here is now that we have got to go to California; that there is a large fleet off that coast and they want us out there. I should like to go as I could get out free of cost. Do you suppose you could get any pay from the state, on Jere and myself? Seems as though you might, other families do. I will draw up something if you think best and get Lt. H. to sign it and see if that will do. Write if you think best or not. The old members of Co. B are determined that if they get home they will draw a town meeting and vote to give us bounty ($300) and I have no doubt they ‘d get the vote.

Much love to all. Give respects to all inquiring friends.

Yours,

L. B.. Jr.

Oct. 16. I am just out of bed and am going to add a few lines. The new troops are drilling and they have to drill like good ones too. Sitting here at the door of the tent, I get a view of the Potomac. If the Capt. should go home, if you look in his trunk and get the picture of a young lady, keep it for me. It is a Virginia lass.

Fort Craig, Va., Sept. 10, 1862.

Dear Mother:

Yours received all right. The rebels are driving the union army back by the mile. Reports say that Jackson is invading Penn. Glad of it; it will serve to raise the men to a sense of duty. The boys have begun already to come down on the ($300) three hundred dollar men. It gets them a little snappish; but they can do nothing for themselves. I don’t know but we shall have a chance to come home, that is if Jackson is going to be good enough to drive us the right way and back there. He brags now of going just where he wants to; he always has, why can’t he now just as well as then? Time will show. The Captain’s health is good, also mine; Jere’s improving as fast as he declined. I would like to go north and “hiper” you fellows up once, and ask you what you are at? Afraid to go to war; but will sell your lives for $800. Well you spoke about short ones — letters, I mean. This is short and sweet. George B. and George Frye are well. Love to all.

Am yours truly,

Leverett Bradley, Jr.

Excuse writing, as we have but few conveniences. Amen.

Fort Corcoran, Va., Aug. 31, 1862.

Dear Mother:

Rec’d yours. We have had a tramp since writing last. Our orders came last Tuesday night to report to Gen. Sturgis at Warrenton; took up the line of march at 9 o’clock, marched seven miles that night and halted about 12 o’clk. to rest our wearied limbs in a field. Slept well; started early next morning and went two miles and halted to wash up and eat. While there, a report came that the 2nd New York (H. A.) in our brigade was all cut up, also that a battery had been taken from us. We then started on a forced march. We soon met the supply trains coming back and we marched by a train ten miles long, 1000 horses, 1500 cattle. We had got just the other side of Fairfax, about 2 miles, when at the top of a hill, in the woods, the remaining two pieces of the battery and some cavalry came rushing by, telling us the enemy were coming and for us to look out for ourselves. We jumped for the woods and waited, but they did not come; we then formed in line of battle about a mile long in the woods and waited. Co. B. was moved to the right, the hardest position, and a squad of men taken way out into the woods to look out for our flank, myself with them; this was the dangerous post, guarding a road they would pass in coming on us. This happened at 2 o’clk. We waited for them, but they did not come. The next morning, soon after getting up, we heard three shots. We jumped (our little squad) and concealed ourselves and waited; but it proved to be our pickets firing at each other. One of Co. A got shot through both legs; not hurt much. Soon after the Dr. and asst. Surgeon, steward and five others, with 2 teams and an ambulance, went back to Fairfax to make a hospital; while there, 500 Cavalry rushed on them and took all prisoners, but released the Drs. and kept the rest and teams and 8 horses, so you see the enemy had got behind us and we were in a fix. It was Lee of the cavalry and he sent a note to Col. Greene and to Gen. Sturgis; he was in the class of the Col. The Col. knew that it was not best for us to stop long, but to retreat back to Cloud’s Mills. We had considerable to look after, our teams and stores; we got ready to go, when we were sent back to old place again. Things looked rather dubious; soon we heard the roll. We all jumped to our guns ready for them; the picket came in and said that cavalry were coming. Of course we expected Rebel. I expected to get shot; hid myself in the bushes and waited, but they proved to be some cavalry come out to reinforce us, so we were all right; we sent them out scouting. They were gone an hour; they reported some 5000 rebels four miles from us, so we started as soon as possible. First went cavalry, next a battalion of our Regt., then all our wagons and 2 cannon, next two Battalions of our Regt., A. C’s. rear guard and some cavalry behind. We saw about 50 of them on the edge of the woods when we started, but they did not molest us; we kept up marching 18 miles from 7 o’clk. till 12 at night, resting only 3 times. They followed us until we came within 4 miles of Cloud’s Mills. Soon after, Col. Greene was ordered to report to McClellan, who ordered us into these forts. The report now is, that Jackson has surrendered; there was heavy fighting off there yesterday; heard the cannon plainly. All well. Love to all.

L. B., Jr.

We shall probably stay here now and not be moved off, because some one wants us! We are nearer Washington but farther up, opposite Georgetown. Very fine view.

[Written with a pencil.]

In Camp At Cloud’s Mills, Va., Aug. 23, 1862.

Dear Mother:

Received yours to-night all right. You will see by this that we are not at Fort Barnard as usual. There has been a great deal of manœuvering around here lately about where to move and it has finally come to us; we have expected it for some time. We have had a great time moving; did it today, about four miles from former place and on the R.R. to Mannassas. Pope has been down on 20 miles; and reinforcements are going out by thousands and right by our sides some orders were to go on; but on account of ammunition we had to encamp here for tonight. Don’t know but we shall go in ten minutes, and perhaps not till morning. Jere and myself are in a small tent by ourselves; we are experiencing camp life. Had no dinner and nothing but a cup of coffee for supper and do not expect anything again for two days; we can not get hold of any bread, having none for two weeks back. It is now about 8.30 P.M. Batteries and other Regts. going with us are on the move here to report. Cavallery also. We got rifles in last night and had to go 3 miles to get them. I have a nice one. I slept well, you better believe, last night; wore the skin off my hip bone laying on the soft side of a plank (knotty); got a softer one tonight (the ground). Don’t be scared, for it is fun for us and will try to stick it out to the last. We may be 100 miles from here tomorrow. Write as usual, and if we get it, all right, and if not, the same. We will write as much as we can and often; but let me tell you again do not be worried because it does no good and makes us feel bad.

The drummer boy is well and looking on the scene. We are both lying on the ground. Nothing more to write; do not know if this will reach you. Capt will write in the morning, if we do not move before. Don’t worry about us!

Yours truly,

Leverett Bradley, Jr.

Fort Barnard, Va., Aug. 7, 1862.

Dear Mother:

My health is improving rapidly, but still they say I look like a ghost. Yesterday there was a large review (that is, for round here) at Fort Ward. I did not go in the ranks, but Jere came along from Arlington House, so I went along with him. It was terribly hot; but I stood it as well as the ones who are full of health. Reviewing officers were Abraham Lincoln, Gen’s. Whipple and Sturgis. He looked as if he had a great deal on his mind (A. L.), dressed very plain; reminded me of old Scripture look in his face. Every fort fired a salute. I expected to see Gen. Hallek, but I was dissapointed, because I went almost on purpose to see him. He was not present. How does that order for the draft take hold of the men north? It makes the boys feel good that they have got to come. The general health of the Regt. is good; but they are trying to kill the men, drilling in the hot sun six hours a day. Mother said she did not care for long letters, so I will close. Love to all.

Yours truly,

L. B., Jr.

Fort Barnard, Va., July 17, 1862.

Dear Mother, Sister and Brothers:

It is quite a long time since I last wrote. Have had a spell of sickness. I had a fever, then the shakes, which are very comfortable(!) to have on one. I had to take Quinine for the first time and the taste of it was in my mouth two days after; it loosened every tooth in my head. War news not very exciting. A string of over two hundred teams passed up by here day before yesterday; they are going to help move Pope’s army, but it will take some time to find it.

It has been hot; sweat runs off in streams. George Frye is well. Here I will close and give the Capt. room to write.

Yours,

L. B., Jr.

Fort Barnard, Va., July 2, 1862.

Dear Mother, Sister and Brothers:

It is a cold chilly night and has been all day, for this date. I am crowding as close to the stove as I can sit, in order to keep up animal heat outwardly. I have got acquainted with a farmer’s son about a quarter of a mile from here. The Capt. is well acquainted with the man; he owns a large amount of property around here. The fort is built on his ground. They are a fine family. We go off together Sundays, he having to work other days. He has got two horses under his care; was cutting hay yesterday. As I was going to say, we went off Sunday and visited all the place; he knows all about here and of course knows the girls. I ate supper with them the other night, so you see I am all hunk. Going to get acquainted with some rich young lady, marry and settle down. I suppose you think I am going to work rather early. Well, count it we are Soldiers. Is n’t it a great thing to be a Soldier! We don’t get much war news; expect to hear soon that McClellan is in Richmond. I am going to try to go to a picnic 4th of July. I have finished the muster rolls which I have to make out every two months. Here I must close, or at least try to! Love to all.

Yours truly,

Leverett Bradley, Jr.

P. S. I don’t think much of this letter, but could not think of anything to write.

[On July 11 he had his sixteenth birthday.—Ed.]

Fort Barnard, Va., May 14, 1862.

Dear Mother:

We have had great news for the week past, but are a little anxious about Halleck; afraid he will be whipped and that will be a stunner. Norfolk has been taken. You will have heard of it before this reaches you; however, it is good news. I can scarcely hear myself think, the drums are beating so like the old Harry.

Roll-call. Bed-time.

Tuesday morning, 6 a.m.

Just answered to the roll-call and now can write a line. We had mortar firing the other day. The shell can be seen in the air; it goes to an immense height and then comes down on the object smash. The shell weighs 91 lbs. It would be a good thing if a fellow had got to die, to have it drive him in; but he would want it taken off afterwards, because it would make a fellow’s head ache.

Yours,

L. Bradley, Jr.

Fort Barnard, Va., May 7, 1862.

Dear Friends:

You will see we are still here and are likely to be till the end of the war.

You have got as much news as we have, probably, viz., Evacuation of Yorktown by the rebels and the taking of it by our forces. We had a large 10 in. Mortar brought here last night to practice with. We are going to fire saturday. We have also one 30 lbs. rifled parrott gun which pointed at the enemy on Munson Hill last year, but never had a chance to pop at them. By the retreating of the rebels from Yorktown it has left us entirely out of danger; they were before some 75 miles away, but now 125 miles, so you see we were perfectly safe. Do not worry, because I do not think they will trouble us at present. The cars are passing now towards Leesburg from Alexandria; they have not run much lately.

Well, about this leaving home business. If you want to go, start, and we will follow (California or Mexico). We have got plenty of dogs and I am going to hunt for a living. Am going to get a horse, rifle and gun, pack up dogs and start, and I “reckon” you had better all do the same.

There is one lady in our camp, Capt. Shatswell’s wife; she has been out since last winter—plucky. Also a negro woman who comes with milk every morning. Good-looking, but too dark complected to get too near to.

Yours,

L. B.