Letter from "Hammond" to Eliza Quilty

Hells Harbour Va

July 9/62

Friend Eliza

I received your letter just before we began to skedaddle. I will not attempt to describe what has transpired here within two weeks for I suppose you know more about it now than I do. we have had no papers since we came here and dont know what they think of this thing at the north but it is verry forcibly impressed on my mind that we are compleatly overpowered and out generald by the rebels. they turned our right flank and compelled us to abandon a position that cost us a great deal of labour and sacrifised a great many lives to gain. some say it is a great stragic movement of, McClellans but I cant see the point, Smiths division was rear guard all the way we had to fight allmost every day and retreat at night our loss of course is very heavy but I am thankfull to get off with my life.

we lost every thing els our brigade had two regular fights and numerous brushes with the enemy in all of which we were victorious the 2nd lost 55 men, the 5th over 300. the 4th and 6th los are slight. I think we lost in all about 400 Jo is wounded in the left arm but is getting along wille got a little crack on the left leg which was verry sore the rest of the march but I am all right now all most every one I know is either killed or wounded Neal has lost a leg. Wiley that used to work for McCall in Rutland is killd. the trade is catching fitts here I know mor than a dozen either klled or wounded. 10 000 will not cover our loss in the last battle. I think the enemy must have lost two to our one as our cannon made terible havoc among them they fought hard to capture our artillary and baggage which was mostly all in the rear but they were defeated in every attempt what ever can be said of our Officers they never can be cauled cowerds from the comanding General down they show the most reckless dairing in battle. Old Brooks was shot through the leg but never left the field. the 5th regt fought like tigers as their thin ranks will prove. I dont

know what the next move will be but I am inclined to think that there will be nothing done until we get reinforcements from the North. so hurry up your cakes. you had ought to see Emm Dier skedaddle I believe she has gone home I met a woman that has been with the 6th regt. tramping through the mud she said she wisht she was in Vermont and I did not shame her. tell Katey I wish I was sitting down to some of her griddle cakes after that I would not mind swinging her all day. you have no idea how hot it is here it almost melts a feller. Luke is the most sensible man I know of I hope he will continue to be so and stop home where every sensible man ought to be. but if he had got verry patriotic tell him I will change places with him. I have just been detailed for guard so I must bid you good bye. my love to all

Hammond

P S direct as before I forgot to say that Hiram Baily is all right

I dont know whether I have cauld this place by its right name but it is the most appropriate name I could think of