Camp In The Field,
Feb. 12, 1865.
Dear Mother:
We were forced to come back from Washington by the Potomac river. There was but one Brigade in the fight [2nd Hatch’s Run] last Sunday night, the 3rd of our division. They were charged three successive times by Divisions. And a fresh division each time. It is said that Genl. Lee commanded the movements in person. They intended to break our lines and by so doing, cut off the 5th Corps, which had gone out farther on the left. But they ran foul of fighting stock and were driven back with great loss. Our artillery was placed in such a position that it cut them up terribly. Four men were found at the foot of a tree, all mangled up. The battery belonged to the “Old Bay State,” viz. 10th Mass. I did not join the regt. till Thursday; I found them in a small pine thicket. The smoke was so dense as to be able to cut in slices. Our eyes were all blood shot. The old company was right glad to see me back. Do not take what I write as self esteem! It was proposed to give me three cheers; but the plan was abandoned much to my pleasure. All the time that I was gone there had been a perfect hubbub in the company. Sergt. D. not knowing human nature, swords had to be drawn one time. It was a great pleasure to me to be welcomed back the way I was. Every one had a good word to say to me. I pray God that I may always deal with men in such a manner that I may be looked up to as one possessing a whole soul, for it is a great pleasure to one to know that he is liked. And especially one placed as I am. We have moved every day since I got back. Yesterday our regt. with the 93rd N. Y. was on fatigue, slashing timber in front of works. It was splendid wood. I cannot imagine what farmers North would say to see the whole of an immense forrest levelled in a day. We are lying now on a hill in an open field. There is a good prospect of our going in to camp, but for how long no one knows. I have found all of my things well cared for, stove and all. I have slept well since I got back. Do not, I beg of you, feel any uneasiness on my account. What ever I need I will write for. I wish you would get some yarn or worsted and get one of the Dole’s to knit me a sleeping cap; if they can’t do it, get some one else. It would be a great comfort to me to have one, I have caught a cold already. I will do the honorable when I write to them. I enjoyed my furlough hugely; but bidding you all a long farewell marred the pleasure slightly. I beg of you again, do not worry for me; although life is uncertain, it is not necessary to borrow trouble. A great many of the regiments are without officers. By the last move, our lines have been lengthened three miles. We are ignorant of the genl. result of the move. My regards to all enquiring friends, and love to all the Bradley family. Your dutiful son,
Leverett Bradley, Jr.
P. S. Captain [he always called his father that in these days], our men slightly wounded are falling off very fast. Co. B numbers only twenty-eight ready for duty. I wish you might get a place for me. I shall not expect one, because so many want them.
[He held the position of orderly sergeant, and was at many times commanding the company on account of the loss or absence of all commissioned officers.—Ed.]
