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

July 13th. Moved 2½ miles to the right, at 7 A.m. Had to pick our way, the dust so thick could not see far ahead. Had the sun as usual.

July 12th. Layed in the same place all day and all night. The sun visited and spent the day with us. Sand knee deep.

July 11th. Layed in the same place over night and next day. Moved at 12 midnight to the left, encamped in a field. [18th birthday.]

July 10th. Layed in the same place till afternoon and were relieved; went back to our old position.

July 9th. The boys started for home at dusk; it seemed sad to part with them. We moved at 10 A.M. to the left.

July 8th. A little firing; the shell did damage where they struck, but none came near our camp.

[A letter from their mother to Jerry.]

Methuen, July 7, 1864

My dear son Jed:

We received your kind letter of the 23rd in due time. I have not learned from either of you since; our anxiety is intense. We know you would write if possible, for the reason you always have. It may be the mail or something of that kind. Do write on receiving this, if you are alive.

I suppose those that are to come home from your company are on the road; how glad I should be if both of your times had been out; but I must wait with submission. I am dreading the sickly season. Do be as careful of yourself as possible, and let us know if you are sick.

Is it the same doctor you had at Harper’s Ferry? Does the chaplain remain with you?

Grandmother’s family are feeling bad about George. I hope he will keep well and have enough to eat. Does anybody know where they went, what part of the South? He may find his mother; she is in Mobile. His brother Milburn is not in the army, but at school, and so is Sarah.

We all feel anxious about you both; all we can do is to pray for you. Everybody enquires for you. Great praise is awarded Lev. for his courage and patriotism in leaving home at such a time. Everybody felt for him, but nobody can feel as I do. Such an anxiety no one but a mother feels.

I have written a few lines to your doctor. I felt as though I must. I shall enclose with this much love to Lev., and may God spare you both from sickness and death is the constant prayer of your mother.

Father is very busy commencing haying. Help is very scarce.

We are all well in body, but anxious in mind.

Mother.

July 6th. Were relieved at ten A.m.; marched half a mile to the rear, pitched camp, and went in earnest to get the men off. [Time had expired.]

July 5th. Worked on the company’s papers. Boys are anxious to be off; but no prospect.