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

Fort Barnard, Va., Apr. 13, 1862.

There are few military movements around here. A regiment now and then goes up the road. I suppose they think the army is regulated and are now ready to fight. Mr. Wilson was here this afternoon and gave us a short discourse on strong drink and profane language. At dress parade he gave each man a tract. He is out here to take the money of the men home, if we ever get any. Now I must write out some passes and fill out a blank for discharge. Yours truly,

L. B., Jr.

Fort Barnard, Va., April 2, 1862.

Dear Mother, Sister and Brothers:

You will see by this heading that we are still in Old Virginia.

The four companies which garrisoned this fort left this morning, and the Regt. Heavy Arty, like this one, started for Alexandria, to go down the river.

They left an immense pile of rubbish, bed-ticks, beds, stools, boards, stoves. I should judge they left at this place $150 worth of property. I am sitting before one of the stoves; it sends the heat out gay. I am writing on a book in my lap.

Another company of our Regt. came up to-day to help garrison the place.

I will give you a little idea where we are. We are three miles from Fort Albany; it mounts 10 Heavy guns. The Alexandria Rail Road runs about 150 rds. from us in the hollow; it is considered a place of much importance. The boy has not got here yet. Give my respects to the Boys and Gals on Pleasant Valley; mark you, I say gals. Well, to tell the truth, I have not seen one but Aunt Betsy. She shed a tear when she left, for Co. B.

Yours truly,

Leverett Bradley, Jr.

Fort Albany, Va., Mch. 23, 1862.

Dear Mother, Sister and Brothers:

We received a letter from home last night, and were glad you had sent your pictures. But I do not think that Mother’s does her justice. She looks too thin and careworn; if so, I shall think it was on account of our leaving home, and the care falling on her has made her sick or unwell.

Frank has changed, it being 8 months since I have seen him, but he looks as if he would like to see us through his little eyes. He looks fat and healthy.

And you had better believe we do, being so regular at our meals, and but few varieties which are best for our health.

The weather has been rather better for the week past. Are having fine times after supper in games. Foot Ball, Base Ball, Cards, Checquers, Dancing and Singing.

Miss E. P. called up to see us the other night and took tea with us. She said that she was determined to eat a meal with the men at the Barracks, as that was what she came out for.

The two companies to join the Regt. arrived here yesterday.

Caleb Saunders is a Lieu’t in one.

After religious services this forenoon the Col. was telling us about the reputation this Regiment has here, among the Big officers.

About fifty thousand of the Army of the Potomac have left, they think to reinforce Burnside, and he is going to march on Richmond.

A Regiment of Cavalry passed by here to-day; they looked finely. Send out my book-keeping by that boy.

I have got a little cold and do not feel well enough to pick on the Old Banjo.

The Capt. has gone up to see Capt. Wardwell at Fort Craig, about a mile from here.

I will close, perhaps to write a little to-morrow morn.

Yours,

Leverett Bradley, Jr.

Fort Albany, Va., March 17, 1862.

To the family in general:

The Army of the Potomac has moved and left us in the dark; there are not 100 men in the Regt. but what would like to go ahead.

McDowell’s Division, which we once belonged to and then were put out of, and then into it again, and then off, is going to reinforce Burnside’s. The Nelly Baker and Nantasket are down in the stream, with some 20 others, to take troops to some place. What do you think of our defeat at Manassas? We were not whipped, but we did not get a chance to fight.

The talk is that McClellan will be supersceded. I don’t know it as a fact, but it is rumor.

We are about played out writing out here. Like to get letters well enough but don’t like to answer.

Here I shall close.

L-brad—Jr

P. S. Pleaseexcusethewritingwellyouknowitisbaddon’tyouwellwhatdo youthinkofManassas— Leverettbradleyjr

Headquarters Heavy Artillery,
14th Mass. Regt., Co. B.
Fort Albany, March 5, 1862.

Dear Mother and Brothers:

We fired a National Salute here yesterday in honor of the first anniversary of Lincoln’s inauguration. It happened to be my detatchment that fired it, so I can say I have helped fire a cannon 6 P.dr. brass. 20 guns were fired, then we limbered up and run into the Fort.

Well, how do you get along with the Geese? Jerry told me you were not going to keep any this year, but I am glad you are. Write me which ones you keep and ducks and hens, because I am a little anxious to know how things go long about the Bradley Farm.

We had a lively time here the other day. I was making out pay-rolls, but when the order came to fall in, I seized my old comrade [gun] and went down. We formed in line and the adjutant read the orders from McClellan to Division Generals; it was to be ready to march, how much we could carry and to keep 2 days Rations ahead, in case of emergency. We have had several other orders since which indicate a forward movement. I hope we shall go, fighting or not.

Had a letter from Hull to-night. I have been making out papers to enable him to draw his pay in Massachusetts.

The Capt. has had a cold and does not feel very well. I have written a good long letter and I don’t believe he will. Jerry is well and on guard as drummer. By our latest news we have possession of Columbus, that great place of the Rebels. I think our army of Kentucky has done the most so far.

The Chaplin has got his wife out here and a Lieu’t had his come to-night. We shall soon have a village.

We have men from Washington to work on the Fort, as the frost has caused the Ramparts to slide off into the ditch. We hear considerable said about going home: some say in a month, others a year and some three years. Don’t make much difference to me.

As I know of nothing else to write, I will close.

Signed, Sealed in presence of

Leverett Bradley, Jr.

George, you may give my respects to the Gals and Boys about Pleasant Valley.