Head Quars. Co. B 1st Mass. H. A.,
Dec. 4, 1864.
Dear Family:
Your last was rec’d in due time. Since I last wrote our whole Corps has moved, relieving the 19th at the left of the line. The duties in front of Petersburg were too hard for this corps, with too small numbers. We are now in a fine forest in front of Fort Emory (the one we built the first time that we went to the left, Jerry). The men are building commodious quarters, wood being plenty. Picket duty is very easy here, there being no enemy in sight. Some of the boys heard by letter of the fellows who died in the Bull pens of Georgia. It is terrible to think of, men of strong constitutions and muscular frames, in the prime of life, should die such a death. Starvation, for that is the death that I think they died of. Think of being penned up, dying inch by inch daily, and at last, rot to pieces. I can assure you I shall run a great risk of life before I shall be taken prisoner, for I consider that death is better than a southern Bull pen. It is very evident that Lawrence has a great deal to do with this regt. It is now called a Lawrence and Ipswich Regt. I think by seeing H’s father about my case, or even getting some one in Lawrence to write, would be the best way to carry it through. But do it without my knowledge.
About my pictures, you did perfectly right, Susan Jane! Love to all from
Lev. Bradley, Jr.
P. S. Jerry, you might send me a V., which would be very acceptable.
