Civil War Letters 1863

Note: These were copied from a carbon copy of the letters that were typed by Alison Kip, working from hand wrtten text that Robert Cruikshank wrote or dictated. I have not corrected all of the odd spelling, some of which appears to be an old version of words. My Dad had the carbons bound by Quinn & Boden in Rahway. I've been working with them for about 15 years, using a variety of programs. I hope you enjoy reading them! ~ BAC

The Civil War Letters of
Robert Cruikshank

Dear Mary,-

I am gaining in strength every day and expect to remain here until I am able to go to the Regiment. I cannot go yet for I could not march a mile. It is the Sabbath and the day is long as we have but one sermon and have nothing to do but read our Bibles. I am reading it of course, and that passes the time or seems to shorten the day. Reading matter is very scarce and a paper or magazine goes the rounds and every part of it is read. Your brother Alex H. is very bad today. He has a severe cold on his lungs and cannot get it thrown off. In my opinion he will never see home again. Dr. Kennedy says he thinks he will get over it. George Beebe is gaining, tell Mrs. Beebe when you see her. I tell you this as George is no hand at writing. Abel M. Barker of the Hebron Company has a bed next to mine. He is from North Hebron. He has heart disease. His wife and one child are at Fort Edward. He expects to be discharged. I have received the three missing letters and am well posted now about home matters. They had been sent to Fairfax Station where the Regiment is, and forwarded to me by Captain Crary. Dr. Kennedy has just returned from the Regiment. He left them at Fairfax Station. He says they had a hard march to that place from London Valley. They were seven days on the march, a distance of about forty-five or fifty miles. The mud was so deep they could not march far in a day. The teams would get stuck in the mud and the soldiers would have to lift them out. It was up to the wagon hubs most of the time and the men would sink into it half way to the knee. They are now guarding Rail Road and several times have been marched to the Occoquon River Cross at Wolf Run Shoals and then return to Camp. They passed through Fredericksburg and Fairfax Court House; were over one month in marching and had gone only about one hundred miles. On the 27th of December the Rebel General J. E. B. Stuart with about 3,000 cavalry was trying to make a break through the Union lines where General Geary's division was stationed, but was repulsed. Our Regiment drew three days rations and started for the Shoals again where they remained two days lying on the wet ground, made so by recent rains. With very cold weather and with only blankets to cover them they suffered severely. When the doctor left they were in good quarters at Fairfax Station and were in hopes that they would remain there until the roads were better. I do not know as they are interesting to you but shall infer from the tone of yours that they are, also they are from,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

You may look for a letter from me twice a week as long as I am here and able to write. I have been trying my strength a little and walked into the street. I went about a quarter of a mile and back and found myself thoroughly tired. As some of the men here were going back to their commands I wanted to know if I could do duty in Camp. I am under Dr. Kennedy's care now and he asked me if I would like to return to my Company. I told him if I could stand the hardships of Camp life I would go, but if not I did not want to go until I could, and that I did not think I could. He said I was not strong enough to return. I have received a letter from Captain Crary in which he says he wishes I could be with him. He has so much to attend to and his lieutenants cannot help in the Company business, that when I feel satisfied that I am strong enough to go to him, I will do so. He had just finished his muster rolls,- had done it alone. Had I been there that would have been my work. There have been 150 men returned to their regiments from the convalescent ward and we are now in that ward and go into a dining hall for our meals. Our food has been changed and I am not doing as well as I was in the sick ward. I wish you would write to your people and say that Alex H. is better. I wrote quite an alarming letter to them about him. If nothing else sets in I think he will soon recover. Dr. Kennedy feels hurt about the article in the "Press" of December 30th but he says it does not mean him if the people at home knew it and the writer ought to say who he meant and not let the innocent suffer. He had not taken care of any of the sick in the Regiment but was on detached service all of the time. I have seen Mr. S. E. Spoor and Mr. Lewis Chamberlain; they have just arrived. Mr. Spoor gave me the package from you. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated by,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

I cannot say that I am gaining any and if not going back

am thankful. I feel badly all of the time and have quite a fever. Do not worry about me as I have requested George Beebe to write you if I should be taken worse and not be able to write, so you will hear right away. But I hope I will begin to improve soon. Alex H. is getting better but is very thin. He looks like a living skeleton and if he takes a relapse it would go hard with him. I think his lungs will trouble him for some time if he does get better. Your letters are a long time coming through. Your last was dated the 4th, mailed the 8th and I received it the 13th. It was just as well as all was news to me, only it was a long time to wait. I also received two letters forwarded from the Regiment, with money and stamps enclosed. I have plenty of money now but would like to have Uncle Sam pay me what is due me. It will come sometime. My pay is going on,- I get the same sick or well, in the hospital or in Camp. In one of your letters received (via the Regiment) was a plan of a house which I do not altogether like for a home. I could not find any pantry and should I live to go home I shall want to find a large one. And if I build a house for ourselves I shall have a large room for provisions. That is how I feel now. I do not intend when I get home to live on wormy crackers and bacon, coffee and tea sweetened with molasses, mush or bread and molasses, sour corned beef, nor raw salt pork, as I have to when on a march. I have eaten raw pork and hard bread when it really tasted good. I would prefer cooked food and relish it better when Mrs. C. prepares it.

Love to you and Ella,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

This is a beautiful Sabbath morning and to think that God made it so beautiful for our enjoyment and yet we make ourselves so miserable and those around us, not only we individually, but the people of a nation have brought war upon themselves. God is punishing us for the sin of slavery and the whole nation must suffer. But those here where it was will suffer the most as the country will be destroyed by armed men. I am not feeling well today and as I have no news I will finish this letter again.

January 21, 1863.

I will now try and finish my letter that I commenced a few days ago. I am not gaining any, am very weak and bloat a great deal. I cannot sit up only about an hour at a time. I go out into the dining hall yet for my meals and am provoked when I see what we have to eat and compare it with a table at one end of the hall which is set for the hospital wardens, nurses and other attendants. I have already told you what we have to eat and now I will tell you what I see on the other table. We have no tablecloth on our table. They have a clean white one. The friends and relatives of the sick soldiers you know are making up boxes of provisions and delicacies for them and expect they are getting it, but the sick soldier gets none of it. It is on the table at the end of the hall. There I see roast fowl and roast beef and preserves, pies and cakes, that the very kind attendants think would inspire the sick if they had it, so to save the soldier they eat it themselves. Do you not think they are very kind and generous. George Beebe is not as well,- I think the food we have is not good for him. Alex H. Wells is not as well. He is having erysipelas now. I hope when I write again I will be better.

With love,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

I am sitting up in bed the best I can writing to you or trying to write you. I am growing weaker all of the time. I do not feel very sick at the stomach or am not in severe pain. Dr. Kennedy has been to see me, also Dr. Goodman. Dr. Wheeler has charge of this ward and I have a lady nurse now, a Miss Hall, and ought to be gaining. She has changed my food and I have the best in the hospital and the best of care. As you have been wanting to come and see me you may if you can leave. Dr. Kennedy says I will never get well here and I had better have a furlough and go home for a month. and he says if you were here he thought I could get one and that he would try his best for me. And then if I get one you will be here to go home with me, as I will want some one to care for me on the way. He says he will write you all about how I am. Write me when you will come if you can leave home and Ella. I have written all I can today and close. With love to you and Ella.

Yours affectionately,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

As I have not heard from you about your coming to see me I will write to you. I keep about the same and will write today as I feel able. I have received a letter from brother Will and one from Henry J. Cleveland. They have marched again and are now at Stafford Court House, Va. I must write you all about their march from Fairfax Station to that place. On the 19th the Regiment received marching orders and started at 9 o'clock A. M. toward Dumfries, and had very good marching the first two days as the roads were in very good condition and the weather very comfortable. The second night they camped at Dumfries, a very old village, passing through the County of Prince William, making a distance of about twenty miles in the two days. In the night it commenced to rain very hard and as they had not trenched around their tents they were soon drowned out and had to build fires to dry themselves. The next day the roads were in very bad condition as there was no bottom to the mud, and raining or snowing all day they kept growing worse and after marching all day they had made but three miles. The weather was severely cold and fuel was scarce as the fencing was guarded as also was a large stack of straw that the men would like to get to put into their tents to raise them out of the mud so that they could have a dry place to lie. The people have claimed to be Union people and all of their property was guarded. Lieutenant Geo. W. Baker thought the men ought to have a fire and the straw and knew if some one would make a break through the guard and get some that the rest of the men would follow. So he went to where the men were gathered at the fence of the stack of straw and looked at it with the others, and when he saw the guard was not looking at him he sprang, caught a rail, dodged a bayonet thrust and disappeared. It was enough. The guard could not keep back a thousand men that wanted the wood and straw and in less time than it takes me to write it they were gone. That night they had a good straw bed and wood to cook coffee over. The next morning, January 22, 1863. the Regiment could not move as the high water had washed away a bridge that was over a stream that could not be forded and they could not move until another had been built, which took them until noon. about noon they got orders to fall in and started on the march again. That afternoon and all the next day they were in unfathomable mud, but the night of the 23rd they went into Camp at Stafford Court House occupying log hut quarters that had been left by other soldiers, which saved them considerable work. They had marched about ten miles in the last three days.

Dr. Kennedy has been to see me and says he has sent for you to come and thinks no doubt but I will go home with you. Miss Hall is taking the best care of me, giving me my medicine and food. Expecting to see you soon, I am,

Ever your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Sergeant Robert Cruikshank of Company H, 123rd N. Y. Vols., having applied for a certificate on which to ground an application for a furlough, I do certify that I have carefully examined this soldier and find that he has had an attack of intermittent fever followed by chronic diarrhoea and in a very low and debilitated condition and in consequence thereof he is in my opinion unfit for duty. I do further declare my belief that he will not be able to resume his duties in a less time then thirty days, and also consider a change of climate outside the limits of this Military Department absolutely necessary in order to prevent death or permanent disability.

Dated at Harpers Ferry Hospital, Va., this 29th day of January, 1863.

William B. Wheeler

Assist. Surgeon

Examined and approved:

W. Earnest Goodman

Surgeon 28th P. V. in charge of

Harpers Ferry Hospital, Va.

Sabbath evening my wife got a letter from Dr. Kennedy urging her to come at once to Harpers Ferry. She made ready, went to the Village to stay over night and took the early train Tuesday morning and arrived at Harpers Ferry at noon Tuesday, the 27th. Dr. Osman from East Greenwich, N. Y. was at the Ferry and met her at the depot and would not let her go to the hospital where there were so many sick men until she had her dinner which was a long time to her, I not knowing she had arrived. Dr. Osman had been sent to the Ferry for a young man by the name of Tucker and for Alex H. Wells. The next four days we were waiting for furloughs and getting ready for home. Monday morning, Feb. 2nd, before light we were helped into an ambulance and driven to the depot where we boarded the train for Baltimore, thence to Philadelphia where we arrived in the evening and were taken to the hospital that was kept up by the ladies of the city. I was tired but after a good supper and having a good clean bed I felt better. Mrs. C. went home with one of the ladies who helped at the hospital. The ladies who did the work were the wealthy of the city. They would go to the hospital during the day and stay until the trains with the sick had all come in and after they had provided them with a good supper and bed and seen that nothing more was wanted for the night, they went home leaving only enough to keep the night watch. No soldiers remained in this hospital. It was only to provide for those passing through. In the morning they would return, help the soldiers off, providing him with lunch and any other necessaries. The ladies of Philadelphia will be kindly remembered by many a soldier. In the morning we crossed the Delaware to Camden and took the cars for Perth Amboy, and from there to New York by boat, where we arrived in the evening, went to a hotel and stayed over night. It was severely cold that night and the next morning we took the cars for Troy where we stayed over night again, arriving at home the next day, Thursday, Feb. 5th, 1863. For some days after getting home I was not able to go out. I did not hear anything from the Regiment until the 14th of February when I heard that Capt. John S. Crary had come home that day on a ten days' leave of absence. On Monday, the 16th, he came to see me and told me that Lieutenant Elliot had resigned as 1st Lieutenant of the Company and had left the service and that Colonel McDougall had sent to the Governor of this state for promotion the names of Joseph W. Culver as 1st Lieutenant and Walter F. Martin as 2nd Lieutenant of Company H, and left me out, and if I expected to go back to the service and wanted the 2nd Lieutenancy I had better have some influential friend go with me to Albany and see the Governor and that he would give me a letter to take with me. I sent a request to Wm. A. Russell to go for me as I was not able to go, but he said he would write the Governor not to make any appointment until he could see him. On the 19th I went to Albany to see the Governor, taking with me Mr. Wm. A. Russell and letters from friends who desired my appointment. I saw Governor Horatio Seymour and Adjutant General John T. Sprague and got their promise of my appointment and three days after I received my Commission through the mail which was dated Feb'y 20th, with rank from Feb'y 4th, 1863, the date that Lieut. Elliott resigned. Captain Crary returned to the Regiment but said nothing about my promotion.

Salem, Washington Co., New York,

March 21, 1863.

This certifies that I am a physician, that I have been attending Robert Cruikshank, Sergeant in Company H, 123rd Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols., who has been and is now laboring under debility consequent upon recent fevers contracted in Camp and he now has enlargement of the liver and spleen which has been attended with ascites (dropsy of the belly) and which in my opinion has made it unsafe for him sooner to return to duty. And I further certify at his request during his illness I made application for an extension of his furlough given for thirty days about the first of February, 1863.

Sworn to before me this 23rd day of March, 1863.

John Lambert, M. D.

W. B. Bool

Justice of Peace.

The above John Lambert, M. D., is known to the undersigned as a physician in regular standing.

W. B. Bool

Justice.

On the 24th day of March, 1863, with this certificate and my commission in my jacket I started to join the Regiment which was then at Stafford, Va. I returned as soon as I was able to travel, and did not stay the full thirty days that I had made application for as an extension of my furlough. I could not understand why I did not hear from it and if disallowed I could show why I did not return at the expiration of the thirty days. When I got to Cambridge Captain Abram Reynolds of the Greenwich Company came into the cars. He was also returning to the Regiment having been home on a leave of absence, so I had company all of the way.

I stopped in New York a few hours and purchased some uniforms which I expected to need when I got to the Regiment. We arrived in Washington on the morning of the 25th about eight o'clock ,- too late for the boat to Acquia Creek which left at 7 o'clock A. M. Acquia Creek Landing was about four miles from the Camp at Stafford. As there was but one trip made a day we had to remain in Washington until the next morning at 7 o'clock. The scenery down the Potomac River was beautiful. We passed Alexandria and Mount Vernon, which were interesting to me. The distance down the river was about forty miles. We arrived in Camp about noon and I found quite a change in the Company since I left it. Lieutenant Elliott was gone, George Sweet had died in Camp two miles from the present Camp on February 4th and Martin Dunlap at this Camp February 25, 1863. There were many sick in hospitals and some on detached service so the Company was quite small. In one of my letters from Harpers Ferry Hospital I wrote that I had received letters from the Company and that they were quartered in a Camp of log huts that had been vacated by a former regiment. This Camp was located in a hollow with hills on either side and at that time of year when there was considerable snow and rain the ground was very wet and the mud was deep so it did not dry off, which made it very unhealthy and the water was bad and many sickened and died and it was thought advisable to move the Camp to a healthier location, so on the 4th of March, 1863, the Camp was moved about two miles onto high ground where there was plenty of wood and good water. Comfortable log huts were built, Company streets were drained and kept clean and everything was in good order when I arrived.

March 26, 1863.

Dear Wife,-

You see I am in Camp again. I arrived here about noon today and was greeted by all with a welcome and an acknowledgment as an Officer of Company H. It did my heart good to meet with my comrades again and receive such a greeting. I have been out looking over the Camp with Colonel McDougall and having a talk with him as we wanted to be alone. He was well pleased at my return and said he was glad I had the Commission if my health would permit me to continue in the service, that he would have recommended me for promotion to the 2nd Lieutenancy of Company H had he thought I would be able to return, and that was the only reason he did not. He also said that Dr. Lambert's certificates were satisfactory but thought it not worth while for me to go to the trouble of getting them,- that he knew I would be back as soon as I was able to come. I found brother Will very well. He is out on picket today. Henry J. Cleveland is sick in the hospital with the measles. He is on the gain now. It is hoped he will be careful and not get cold. I have bought Alexander McLaughlin's sword, belt and sash. They have not been used as he has been sick all of the time since he came into the service. I have also bought Lieut. Elliott's revolver. Do you not think I am well armed? Remember me to friends, with love to you and Ella.

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

I suppose you think it about time to hear from me again and I will do what I can to gratify that wish. I am keeping very well. I stood my journey better than I expected and enjoyed myself very well. I wrote in my last letter that Capt. Reynolds and I stayed in Washington nearly twenty-four hours. After we had our breakfast we started out to see the city and then went to the Patent Office Building where we spent most of the afternoon until dinner time which is four o'clock. We got our dinner and then I took a good rest and sleep until dark, when we thought we would go to the theatre where all was new to me as I had never visited one before. It did not come up to my expectations and it is said to be the best in the city. At Washington I got a pass to join my Regiment. I had no trouble in going through as my papers I had with me explained all. It was fortunate that I did not get mustered as an officer at Albany as I might have had trouble about my extension of time. I heard from the application yesterday and being a private soldier when it was made it only went to Colonel McDougall and he paid no attention to it as General David Russell told me, only reported me as absent on sick leave. I have not been discharged as a private soldier yet and cannot be mustered in as an officer until I am. I am only an officer of the State of New York and not of the United States. I saved ten dollars in buying my sword, belt, sash and revolver here. Dr. Kennedy arrived here last night. I was pleased to see him. I had a pleasant talk with him of Harpers Ferry, going home, and friends at home. Henry J. Cleveland is improving. The Company are all in good spirits. They have good quarters, good clothing and good food and plenty of work to do. To hear from home is the wish of

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

April 3, 1863.

Dear Mary,-

I have been in Camp a week and have not heard from you but expect there are letters on the way and will arrive in due time. There is but little change in camp life so I can have but little news to write to you. Captain Crary is very kind and appears pleased that I have returned. Lieutenant Culver is the same good-hearted boy, or I suppose I should say young man. I have been out on picket once since my return and had charge of the men from the Regiment. Lieutenant Culver attends to the drills while I help Captain Crary with the office work. Henry J. Cleveland was out yesterday for the first since his sickness. I gave out the socks to the men that came from our part of the town as they were sent from there and regret that I had not brought them all so that all in the company could have some. all were very thankful for them. They had received none before. Tell my people how I am in health.

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

This is a beautiful morning and everything seems to be rejoicing at the return of Spring. This is only the second pleasant day since my return to Camp. There are plenty of robin redbreast songsters and southern sparrows here to make the air musical with their joyful notes that make me think of home. The trees are putting forth their buds and are looking quite green. I think the spring is very backward as there have been several light snowstorms and cold rains. I do not think the season is a month earlier than at home. Everything is so different here from there. With you, every one has his different work to do. The farmer goes to prepare his ground for the seeds, the mechanic to his shop, and the clerk to his desk, each doing his accustomed work. But here we hear the same, we see the same, we do the same day after day. We are preparing for we know not what. We have the noise and bustle of Camp, the measured tramp of soldiers' feet, the shrill notes of the fife and beat and roll of the drum, the drill, the parade, and the clash of arms in the practice charge. Everything we see and hear is warlike. The men have become accustomed to the change and are now more at ease and have not that homesick feeling that they at first had. It left them with the winter and now that spring has come they will enjoy themselves better and the health of the Regiment will be better. Our Company is very small,- we have but 55 men now. We expect to have 30 to 50 new men. I understand that Regiments in the field are to be filled by draft. The report that Captain Crary has resigned or was going to is without foundation as he has no notion of it, He says he is going to stay with the Company as D long as there are any left and expects to have more men so that it will not be as hard for them to do the duty required. He has been very careful of me since I returned, so has Lieutenant Culver. The men like him very much. Brother Will is trusted by the officers anywhere or with anything, he has such good judgment. Henry J. Cleveland is better but has not left the hospital yet. It is only a quarter mile from Camp. Mitchell McFarland is well. Peter McNossor has had trouble with his lungs but is better. Geo. K. Wells is in good health. There is no mustering officer in our Division now so I have not been mustered into the United States Service yet. I received my discharge the 30th of March, a copy of which I give below:

Dear Mary,-

Headquarters 12th Corps,
Army of the Potomac,
Stafford Court House, Va.,

March 30, 1863.

Special Orders
No. 77 Extract

IV " " " Sergeant Robert Cruikshank, 123rd New York Volunteers is honorably discharged from said Regiment in order to enable him to accept promotion, he having received a Commission from the Governor of the State of New York.

By Command of Major General Slocum
(signed) H. C. Rodgers
Official Asst. Adjt. Gen'l Wm. D. Wilkins
Capt. & A. A. Gen'l.

You can see by the above that I am not a soldier now. I do not say anything about it as perhaps some of the men might think I had no authority. I must close this long letter, with love,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

Two weeks and three days since my arrival here and have received but one letter from you and that was in answer to my first. I think there must be some on the way, for I am sure that you have not neglected me. I have not been very well for a few days. My liver has been the trouble. I have been attended by Dr. Kennedy. I have not been out on duty but once since my return. There is plenty of office work for me and the captain has me do it which will save me from exposure until I get stronger again.

April 12, 1863.

I had only commenced a letter to you when the mail arrived and sure enough that long looked for letter arrived and I postponed my writing until I should learn if there were any questions to answer and it was well I did as I might forget them before another writing. I am feeling better today and am left alone in Camp as all of the Company went out on picket. The Captain thought I better not go or expose myself until I am stronger and as it is the Sabbath I prefer quiet. It is a lovely Spring morning,- the air is much softer here than at home. It does not feel as if it came off of snowbanks. I feel like going out and basking in the sun and I think it will do me good. There is no dampness in the air. We are in winter quarters in the same Camp as when I came here. Our hut is about ten by twelve feet on the ground, built up of logs about six feet high notched in the ends so they almost touch each other and filled in with mud and the top covered over with canvas wedge fashion, which gives light enough and makes it warm when the sun shines. When it is not warm enough we make afire in the fireplace which is at one end of the hut. It is built of stone and mud and the chimney is built of sticks out house fashion and plastered over inside with mud or clay. The door is made of slabs split out of pine logs and pinned together and hung on wooden hinges, all very rustic indeed. Our bed is made by driving four crotched sticks in the ground leaving them about as high as an ordinary bed, then we place a stick across from one to the other resting them in the crotches. Then we place small round poles lengthwise from one to the other which forms our mattress, then we spread two blankets over them and have two blankets to spread over us with our overcoats for pillows. We sleep like the styles family except heads and points. We are three in a bed. We have a good cook and can buy good food here, each one paying his share of the expenses. We get good ham, good fresh beef, fresh fish, oysters, potatoes, onions, apples, soft bread, small crackers, cakes, tea, coffee, sugar molasses, condensed milk, salt pork, bacon, vinegar, salt and pepper,- no butter.

On the 10th inst. there was a review of the 12th Army Corps by President Lincoln and General Hooker. As the parade ground was a mile and a half away I did not feel that I was able to go and did not see it, which I regret very much.

With love,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

I have but little time to write today as I am to make out the muster rolls of the Company which is my business every two months. I am very well but have trouble with my liver every few days. I am in hopes that I will get over it after a while. We were paid six months' pay yesterday, that is, we were paid up to March 1st. I have sent to the Bank of Salem for you $82.50, which you can draw at any time and I have $42.30, so I have plenty now. You must not be disappointed if you do not get my letters regularly as we expect to march soon,- we are expecting orders every day. We are getting ready for something, we do not know what. Besides being paid yesterday there was issued to each man eight days' rations of hard tack, sugar and coffee and sixty rounds of ammunition which means a movement of the army. We have D@ had one ration issued again which keeps the eight days' rations good which would appear we were to have an eight days' tramp.

I must attend to my work and close with love to you and Ella.

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

Three days have passed since I wrote you and yet we remain in the same place although expect to move at any hour. Every day we have one ration of hard tack, sugar and coffee issued to the men which keeps the first eight days' rations good, or on hand. The train officers have received orders not to take only necessary baggage and all of the men to take only one change of underclothing. All surplus baggage must be left behind. The orders are to be ready to march at a moment's notice. I think we can be ready in about ten minutes after we get the order to move. I am feeling very well and hope I can stand the march. I shall try very hard to do so. I suppose you know that Mrs. McDougall is on her way to visit the Regiment. She was in Washington, D. C. yesterday and is expected here tonight. She is in company with Capt. Warren and hie wife. The Captain has been home on a furlough and his wife is coming to visit the Camp. I would not have thought that Mrs. McDougall would have attempted to come as it is so uncertain about our being here a day longer. I do not believe she can get a pass to come here. I hope she can at it will be a disappointment to her if she cannot, also to the Colonel.

To hear from home soon is the wish of,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

I am kept very busy but will write you a few lines as I presume that you are anxious about our movement. We are under the same marching orders yet. Do not worry about me for I am feeling very well now. I think I can stand quite a march. The men are all in good health and spirits,- I have never seen them in better. I do not like the suspense that we are now in but suppose we will know all about it in time. I wish you would get your and Ella's pictures taken and send them to me that I may have them to look at when I do not get letters,- I have had only three since my return four weeks ago. There were two men of our company discharged yesterday, Edward Groves from the east part of the town and David E. Nelson from Hartford, N. Y., both for disability.

Ever with love,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

Still in Camp as you can see, with no change. The same one day's ration is issued every day and the eight days' rations are kept in reserve. We are doing the same duty, camp, picket, and the drills and parades. We are kept doing something all of the time and sometimes I think it is only to keep our minds occupied and to give us plenty of exercise so we will not get too much flesh and be thinking too much of home, and get discontented here.

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank

Dear Wife,-

I now take this first opportunity in two weeks to write you. We have had no mail going out until now. I have written this as I had time and have dated it the day of mailing. No doubt you have been looking for a letter for some days and this will explain why you have not received one and I hope will relieve you of the anxiety which I know you have suffered. I have passed four fearful days and nights since I last wrote you. We have had the hardest fought battle of the War and gained nothing but suffered defeat with a terrible loss of life and property. The enemy's loss must have been greater than ours as they made the attack. I am as well as could be expected considering the physical, mental and nervous strain that I have passed through. I have seen all that there is of war; I have been well initiated having been under fire for three consecutive days. It is very lonesome for me, there are so many of the men missing, some never to return. Brother Will was severely but not dangerously wounded. He was wounded by a musket ball which passed close by my head passing entirely through one of his thighs, entering the other until it struck the bone, then passed downlodging near the knee on the opposite side. When he was wounded I was on my knees tearing cartridges, holding his ramrod and getting out his caps for him. He would drop on his knees while loading, would then rise to his feet and fire. He was standing when wounded. The ball entered the right leg first. He was wounded early Sabbath morning and the ball was not removed until Tuesday, thanks to Dr. Kennedy for removing it. I am proud of such a cool, brave brother. I will speak of him farther on or in another letter. I will now give you a detailed account of our march and battle if I am not broken off by having an opportunity to mail this. I have written you that we were under marching orders and supplied with eight days' rations from April 15th until the 27th, when we broke Camp and started on a march under light marching orders. The morning of the 26th dawned clear and warm and as the sun arose the roll of drums was heard in every camp. The bugle sound of attention was heard from afar and near. Company officers were calling to their men to fall in. The Colonel and his staff were moving to the right of the parade ground. The men with knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, guns and accoutrements were formed in what had been their company streets. The roll was called. Company after company filed out and formed in the line of the battalion. Our Company's place was at the left of the Colors and is called the Color Company. Each company has its place in the battalion from right to left according to the date of rank of the commanding officer of the company. The Colonel and staff mounted and the Regiment marched away and took its place in the great moving army of men, with cavalry in advance, artillery, ambulances and baggage wagons following. The barrel and bayonet of every gun was polished, I might say burnished, accoutrements were in the best of order, with clothing neat and clean, and as this great army moved away, keeping step, with their guns at right shoulder shift, all in the same position, the movement of the step causing reflection in the sunlight, it was one of the grandest sights ever looked upon. In starting out the men were in the best of spirits, singing and jesting, enjoying the change of being relieved from the monotony of the Camp. But as the day advanced it grew warmer and some of the men had not obeyed the order to abandon all unnecessary clothing, to take but one blanket or overcoat and one change of underclothing, they began about noon to throw them away, and the road was covered with them. One could pick up thousands of dollars' worth of these goods. The men were very tired when we camped for the night, within one mile of the Hartwood Church, which looked more like a district school house than a church, as it was about like one of our northern schoolhouses. All was quiet during the night and the men had a good night's rest. As the night was clear and warm they spread their blankets on the ground and slept without covering. A strong picket line was thrown out but no alarm was given. The next morning, April 28th, was like the morning before, clear and warm, but the men, having relieved themselves the day before of some of their load, were in good marching order and after having a breakfast of coffee, hardtack and pork, they started on their second day's march. The roads were good and the men were not hurried and at noon they had plenty of time to cook coffee, pork and hardtack, and take a rest. In the afternoon the cavalry met the enemy but they fell back as we advanced and at night we camped within one mile of Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock River which it was supposed the enemy would try to hold. A strong picket line was thrown out and all was as quiet as the night before and the next morning, after a coffee, pork and hardtack breakfast, we crossed the Ford without opposition. This was the morning of April 29th. The forenoon and until two o'clock we pushed on not halting for dinner, until we were within about half a mile of Germania Mills on the Rapidan River where we halted for dinner and a rest for an hour. The cavalry in advance of our column had taken possession of the Mills and Ford with the loss of one man. They captured two hundred men and two officers. They were guarding the Ford and framing a bridge to replace one that had been burned. After I had my dinner I strolled down to the river where the troops were fording the stream. The water was high and running swift and was up to an ordinary-sized man's armpits, and short men would lose their footing and be carried down stream but would be rescued by the mounted cavalry men who were stationed in the river below the Ford. Often small men would catch hold of the cannon and caisson and limber of the artillery and be drawn through the river onto dry ground. Several officers had gathered at the river to watch and wait their turn when General Kane, he who commanded our Brigade when we were in Pleasant Valley, Md., rode up and inquired for Colonel McDougall and asked him if his regiment could not build a bridge that the troops could pass over on. The Colonel replied that his regiment could do anything and would build the bridge. They went at work in earnest as they did not like the idea of fording the river and in two hours had a bridge on which the troops crossed in safety. This bridge was not built on the abutments as they were high and the span was long, and we could not take time to build a safe bridge on them, so built a floating bridge by lashing timbers together one on the other and letting them rest on the water on the upper side and against the abutments. Then we laid the plank on and nailed them fast to the timbers, and again lashing other timbers onto the plank. We crossed the bridge two and two, about six or eight feet between, marching with route step so as not to sink the bridge under water. After crossing the bridge we marched about two miles and went into Camp about sundown. On each day of our march we had started at sunrise and marched until six o'clock P. M. The next morning, April 30th, our fourth day, we marched at eight o'clock and marched until twelve o'clock M. when we were ordered to take another road to make a reconnoiter where we were fired into by a Rebel battery. We were ordered to charge and silence it which we did. It proved to be a cavalry battery and as it fell back when it reached the top of another hill they unlimbered, fired two shells at us which passed over the Regiment and exploded a few feet in rear of Company A. This was our first under fire and the men showed no fear. Of course we had to all make a bow when they passed over our heads but if the battery had stood its ground we certainly would have captured it. We guarded this road until the wagon train had passed, then joined the Brigade. The 28th Penna. Regt. had a skirmish with the cavalry and lost one man (killed). Where we had the skirmish was on the Wilderness road. We marched until five o'clock, then went into Camp near Chancellorsville, about seven miles from Fredericksburg, Va. Chancellorsville proved to be the battleground. Our fifth day, May 1st, we did not move until 12 o'clock M., when we made a reconnaissance to the east of the Chancellorsville House about two miles and was here under the fire of a battery. It being so far away we could not return it, we were ordered back to where we had camped the night before. At four o'clock P. M. we were attacked by the Rebel infantry. Lieutenant A. T. Mason with Company A, Lieutenant Marcus Beadle with Company I, and Captain Orin S. Hall in command, assisted by Adjutant Geo. H. Wallace, were sent out in our front to establish a picket line. The right of this line was to rest on the Spottsylvania Court House road and extend through a piece of woods and cleared field to a tobacco house on the east, which was the left of the line. Lieutenant Beadle had passed along to the left of the line and had posted his men. Capt. O. S. Hall was at the extreme right of the line and had inspected it, while Lieutenant Mason and his company were in reserve to support either part of the line. The line had only been established when the enemy's cavalry made an attack on the right of the line and drove in four picket posts. Captain Hall had extra men with him and commenced reforming the line and placing his men closer together to strengthen it when he saw the Rebel infantry advancing in line of battle. Lieutenant Mason with the reserve hearing the firing went to Captain Hall's assistance and was placed in the center by Adjutant Wallace who was mounted. The pickets held their ground as long as they could but were soon driven in. The Regiment, hearing firing on the picket line, received orders to advance and pushed forward over a fence where we were exposed to the sight of the enemy, when they opened fire on us. We could not see the enemy in the woods and did not fire on them until we had taken position on the top of a cleared hill in sight of the enemy, when they came to the edge of the wood. As soon as our men saw them, Colonel Norton stepped upon a stump swinging his sword, gave the order to cheer and to commence firing, and fell to the ground. He had received a mortal wound by a rifle ball. The Rebels answered our cheer by their shrill yell. There was sharp firing on both sides and the pickets between. The Adjutant's horse came back riderless and we supposed he was killed, but he soon came in laughing and saying he had to dismount to save himself but thought he had lost his horse. Captain Hall and Lieut. Beadle with their Company (I) filed to the right and came back under cover of the woods while Lieutenant Mason with Company A fell back through the open field and suffered severely, having to come up a hill to get to the Regiment. continued next column>

During the lull I have spoken of, General Knipe, who commanded the First Brigade in our Division, advanced his brigade into the woods, then came to Colonel McDougall and ordered him to advance his regiment into the woods also, and be in readiness to make a charge. The Colonel ordered us over our works and into the woods about five or six rods and there we reformed. Major Rogers came after us calling for Colonel McDougall and inquired of him where he was going with those men. The Colonel replied he had received an order to charge into those woods.

The Major asked, "Who gave you that order?"

The Colonel replied, "General Knipe gave me the order."

"And who is General Knipe?" inquired the Major, and then said to Colonel McDougall, "You are not subject to General Knipe's orders; he is in command of the First Brigade of our Division and you are in command of the Second Brigade. Colonel Ross has retired from the field and I am in command of this Regiment."

continued next column>

The Colonel than ordered Major Rogers to get us back to our works and assumed command of the Brigade. Major Rogers ordered an "about face" and ordered us to march back to our works. We had only commenced to move back when the enemy made a charge on us, firing into our backs and yelling like so many demons. When we got back to our works we could not halt the men there, but on they went until they got to a creek about twenty rods from our works. Here we got them checked and about faced, charged back and retook our works.

Charles Marshall and John A. Mains were, I think, shot down in this charge as I saw them both and spoke to John after we commenced to advance, but they were never seen or heard of afterward. They were both good soldiers.

This was the last struggle to hold our ground, but we could not do it. Our line had become so weakened we were not much more than a skirmish line and on the right of the road they had suffered as much as we had. The enemy came on to us closed in mass, backed and driven in by their cavalry. Their centre was on the Plank Road and extended on either side about a quarter of a mile. On the remainder of their line on both flanks they kept up a skirmishing so as to keep General Hooker from reinforcing his center. We gained our works and held them for a few minutes.

At this time I was with and was looking after the left of the Company and Lieutenant Culver was with the right of the Company. Captain Crary was so sick he had to leave the field. He left just before we were ordered into the woods by General Knipe. I was so engaged that I did not notice what was going on at my right. It was the hottest time of the fight. Every piece of artillery behind us was worked as rapidly as possible and their shell seemed to graze our heads and I suppose that they came as close as they could and not hit us as the enemy were but a few feet in front of us. I looked to the right and what did I see! All were in grey uniforms, close to me. The right of the Regiment were gone; the Colors were gone and Lieutenant Culver with the right half of the Company were gone. I ordered my men to move backward and to the left, the left of the Regiment giving away at the same time. We fought the enemy until we got back to the Creek, then broke ranks and went back up the hill to the Chancellorsville House. While we were going back the enemy opened on us with shell and solid shot, which made it rather warm for us. The enemy came as far as the Creek and as soon as we were out of the way our artillery opened on them with canister which they could not stand before. They did not make another charge. Another line was formed in support of the artillery. I found Lieutenant Culver near the Chancellorsville House with the right of the Regiment where we were reformed again.

In going back I was so worn out that I could not quicken my pace although solid shot and shell were flying all around. One shell struck a caisson and exploded it, killing several men and stripping the clothes entirely off of one, burning him terribly and blinding both eyes. He was crying for some one to kill him and put him out of his misery. We had to leave our dead on the field and all of the wounded who could not get off themselves. From where we were all the way back the ground was strewn with the dead, dying and wounded. On my way back I looked among them in my path to find brother Will. I did not know where he had gone or how badly he was wounded at the time. I also told Captain Crary when he went back to try and find him. I saw nothing of him. All kinds of army implements and munitions of war were torn, broken and scattered as by a tornado. Riderless horses bridled and saddled were running loose, not knowing which way to run for safety. The ground looked like it had been ploughed and re-ploughed.

I was amused at one time and really had to laugh amidst all these scenes. A fellow in front of me was going back as fast as he could walk with knapsack on his back, well filled, and gun in hand. A solid shot struck the ground several feet behind him, bounded into the air and struck him under the knapsack, raised him several feet from the ground turning him entirely over, seating him heavily on the ground. I thought at first that he was killed but soon changed my opinion when I saw him spring to his feet, catch up his gun, look behind him both to the right and then to the left to see if there were any more coming, then start on a run to the rear as fast as his legs could carry him.

After the Regiment had been reformed near the Chancellorsville House we were marched to one place and then another until about two o'clock when we halted long enough to cook coffee and eat some hardtack and then commenced moving about again. As we were passing through the woods I noticed a place a little way from us where posts were driven into the ground and poles laid across them and branches of trees laid on, to keep out the sun. I heard some one call my name and looking about I saw brother Will resting on two sticks he had cut and was using them as crutches. He told me how badly he was wounded. I could not stop but for a moment, so I told George H. Edie, of our Company, to stay with him and get him to a hospital and not to leave him until he did. Then I went on and joined the Company, feeling relieved from my anxiety about him.

We were kept moving about all afternoon until near night when we,- what was left of the Regiment,- took a position on the extreme left of the line of earthworks near Banks Ford on the Rappahannock. That night we had a very good rest and did no work the next day, Monday, May 4th, except to keep out a strong picket line. The next morning a heavy rain storm set in and it rained all day and night. Our men were without covering as they did not have time to get their knapsacks when they were driven back Sabbath morning, and had but very little to eat. I had eaten nothing from Saturday morning until Monday evening except a cup of coffee and hardtack that was given me by one of my men Sabbath afternoon in the woods. Monday evening I heard where beef was being slaughtered and gave one of our men half a dollar and told him to get me some as I was already famished. He returned in about an hour and brought me a piece of liver half the size of my hand saying it was all he could get for the money, there were so many wanting it. I placed it on the end of a stick, held it in the fire to cook it and ate it without salt. I would not take any of the men's rations as they had but little and we did not know how long we would be without supplies.

The rain slackened Tuesday morning. We built fires and dried our clothing. Rations of fresh beef and hard crackers were issued to the men. Tuesday night we built fires and lay down around them until about five o'clock Wednesday morning when we were ordered to get ready to march, and about six o'clock on the morning we were noiselessly marched to the United States Ford and across the Rappahannock on pontoon bridges. About eight o'clock A. M. we took up our line of march for our old Camp at Stafford, not stopping long enough to cook coffee, where we arrived about five o'clock P.M., marching in the rain all day, making a distance of twenty-five miles.

We were glad to get into our old quarters and get some rest. Our cook had got back to Camp some hours before us. The baggage wagons also had arrived. We put the covering on our tent, built a fire in the fireplace to dry it, and had provided a good supper of soft bread, sweet potatoes, beefsteak, coffee and sugar.

With the recollections of enjoying these I will close this narrative from,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

I have received tonight your very dear letter of the 8th inst. and it does my heart good at such time as this to hear from you and Ella and to have you say that you have made up your mind not to worry about me. You are getting very sensible. And why should we worry? If we have any confidence in God's protecting care, we will not fear what man can do unto us if we put our whole trust in Him. When I was in danger I prayed to God and He delivered me out of the hand of the enemy, and has brought me to a safe place.

In your letter you say that Mrs. McDougall said that the Colonel told her that I would not go into a fight on account of not being mustered into the United States service. It is very true that I was under no obligation to go as I hold my discharge as a private soldier and have not been mustered in as a Lieutenant. I hold only a Commission in the State of New York and in the state alone can I be made to take up arms. No one has any authority over me here. Captain Crary and Lieutenant Culver both advised me not to go into the battle. I told them I should go. I considered it my duty to go. It was my duty to go with those men who went out into the service with me and I should look after them. The men of the Regiment knew nothing of my not being mustered in but I would have been thought a coward by all of them. I went into the service because I thought it my duty, and it was no time to shirk it then when danger came. It was at a time when my services were most needed. I do not and I think I never shall regret taking part in the Battle of Chancellorsville. I can hold up my head and look anybody in the face. No one can point his finger at me and say or even think, "Coward." I would rather have lost a limb than not have taken part in the battle. I know of three officers who did not and now their men do not respect them. and what would people at home have said?

I do not know where brother Will is. I have not heard from him since Dr. Kennedy removed the ball. I hope he is doing well. If you know where he is write me all about him. I miss him so much, also the other fifteen men.

We have done but little fatigue duty since our return. I have been working on the reports of the Company and of the loss in the battle. Our Company had three men killed, eleven wounded and two missing,- we suppose taken prisoners.

Write often to,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

I will spend a short time this morning in writing to you as I have a little leisure. I am getting over the fatigue of our late march and battle. I lost nine pounds of flesh at that time but soon expect to regain it if we remain in Camp.

The news reached us yesterday that Colonel Norton was dead. He died from the wound received in our first day's fight at Chancellorsville. I saw him when he fell. He was a good officer and we miss him much. I do not know where the wounded of our Company are. I think there were eight left on the field when we were driven back. I feel badly to think that they had to fall into the hands of the enemy.

Captain Crary's health is very poor. He does not recover from the fatigue and exposure of the march. Henry J. Cleveland had not recovered from his sickness when we started on our march and was taken worse and we had to leave him behind at the Rapidan River. By throwing away his gun and accoutrements he made out to get into our lines before the battle but was not able to take part in it. He is improving in health now. George H. Wells was sick and left between the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers. As nothing has been heard from him it is supposed that he was taken prisoner.

I have been mustered in as Second Lieutenant, on the 12th inst., but it was dated back to, and I shall receive pay as Second Lieutenant from April 1st, 1863. That was a few days after my return from my furlough to the Company.

Ever with love to you and Ella.

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

I have been on duty as Officer of the Guard for the last twenty-four hours and am now relieved and will have the remainder of the day for rest, so will take this opportunity to pen you a few lines. I am very well and recovering strength and flesh again.

I received yours of the 12th last evening and at first was surprised that you had received no letter from me since our return from the battle, but when I looked at the date of your letter it was four days in coming through and my letter was mailed the 8th, so I saw you would get it about the time you mailed yours. I hope you have received it before this writing.

You say that our people have heard from bother Will.

Write me where he is and all about him. I have several letters for him and do not know where to send them and I know he wants them.

Mitchell McFarland has returned to Camp but can do no duty and will not for a long time. There is hopes of the recovery of John S. Doiy and William H. Dennison. William H. Stewart, William L. Rich, Archibald Johnson and John A. Mains are dead. Our wounded who fell into the enemy's hands have been paroled which makes me feel better about them as I did not know what care they would get.

It was reported that we will remain here for some time.

The health of the Company is good. There are not enough of us to be sick.

Remember me to friends.

With love,

R. Cruikshank

Dear Mary,-

Our life in Camp has become very monotonous again and in addition to the monotony one has that lonely feeling as if something was wanted or something was missing and we do not know really what we want. I feel it more since the battle which I suppose is caused by the reaction after the excitement of such a time. And then brother Will is away and so many of the men gone it makes me feel lonely. I have more work to perform but it is of that kind which does not take any attention or occupy my mind, which I need most. Then we have no books or papers to get interested in. If I had any way to carry them if we should move I should have some that would be interesting. All that I have now is my Bible and the Army Tactics, both of which I study. Do not understand that I am not interested in these for I am very much, but one thing all of the time makes Jack a dull boy.

I am on duty twice a week, twenty-four hours each time, which makes two days and nights I am out in a week. When I am Officer of the Picket I go out to the line with the men at nine o'clock A. M. and return at the same hour the next day. The first thing I do after I go out to the line I post my men, relieving those who have been on duty both at the reserve and on the line. The detail I have with me I divide into three reliefs, the first to go on duty on the line as soon as we get there to stay for two hours, when the second takes their place, and the third relief takes the second's place in two hours again. Then the first will relieve the third and so on, which gives the men two hours on post and four hours off. I visit the line every two hours,- that is, every time a relief goes on duty. The remainder of the time I stay with the two reliefs that are off duty and is called the reserve.

I will write more of my work in another letter.

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

In my last letter I wrote what my duties were on the picket line, or part of my work. I do not know as it will interest you but hope it may.

There are no enemy near us so the duty is not hard as we do not have to be on the lookout for an attack which they may make at any time. Here the posts are not very close together and only one man to a post, which is always selected behind a tree, stump, rock, a pile of rails, a bush or anything that will hide the men. And when the line runs through a cleared field and we cannot get anything to pile up in front of the men, they dig short ditches in the ground and throw out the earth, which raises a bank and the men get into the ditch out of sight. They are called by the men "gopher holes." When we are near the enemy there will be from two to six men sent into one of these gopher holes where they will remain twenty-four hours. Sometimes they go in before daylight in the morning so the enemy cannot get a shot at them.

Then when we are close to the enemy we put out videttes or outposts in front of the picket line to keep watch of the enemy to see when they make an attack. Sometimes they have hard work to get into our lines without getting shot as they are often exposed to the enemy's fire. If a vidette can get in in time to give the alarm by telling that the enemy is advancing, he will do so, but if not, he will give the alarm by firing on the enemy. The best and bravest men are chosen for this duty. The vidette will give the alarm to the picket, the picket to the reserve and the reserve to the line of battle. If the vidette is heard to give the alarm and the pickets commence firing, it arouses the whole army and they make ready for a battle at once. When a soldier hears firing on the picket line he will spring for his gun,- he knows that means business.

At the reserve post the men can stack their arms and amuse themselves as best they can. One half of them can lay down at a time and sleep, but must not take off their accoutrements or leave the post without permission from the officer in command.

On the line a soldier must keep his gun in his hand all of the time and be on lookout every moment, and if he should go to sleep and be caught, the penalty is death as it might endanger the whole army.

I think you will understand picket duty by these letters so will close this, from,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

This is a lovely Sabbath morning. The air is cool and

fresh and reminds me of the mornings in my far away Northern home, and I feel that I would like to take a stroll with you and Ella through the fields and into the woods. In memory I see the skipping of lambs, the joyous singing of birds I hear in every tree bush and shrub, young plants I see bursting forth into bloom, and meadows are covered with their carpeting of green and orchards are one beautiful sheet of blossoms.

I walked out the other morning across the open lands (I cannot call them fields as there are no fences here) into the woods. I thought I would enjoy myself alone a while in a stroll. The air was refreshing and as I walked along my thoughts were not with me, but far away where everything on this earth is dear to me and I was lonely and sad, although everything in nature appeared to try to make all joyous and happy. The leaves of the trees were fresh with new life and sparkling with the morning dew; the flowers of many kinds sent forth their several fragrances; the birds of a hundred species sent forth their twittering notes; all happy but man and why was not he?

The sin of slavery has brought sorrow and desolation throughout our land. For this cause I am far away from home and friends. For this cause so many of our wounded men are in hospitals on beds with pain, and sickness. For this cause many of our brave men have suffered death, and as I returned to Camp I prayed to God to speed the time when slavery would be no more known in our land and our country would be at peace once more.

In your letter you ask how I spend my Sabbaths since Mr. Gordon went home. We have had five since he left us. The first Sabbath of the month, which was the 3rd, I was fighting at Chancellorsville; the 10th I had to work at the reports of the Company giving the loss of men in the battle; the 17th and 24th I had to myself. Today, the 31st, I have so far been writing to you and I will this afternoon visit the 12th Corps Hospital to see the wounded and sick of the Regiment. I hope to find them improving.

With love to you and Ella I am ever,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

Lieutenant George R. Hall has a leave of absence and is going to start for home today so I will send a few lines by him to you. He will call and see you and you can send such things as you wish by him to me.

I am in want of some money and postage stamps. I will send by him to get me a valise which will cost eight or ten dollars. I have twenty dollars now and that will last me about four weeks. My board costs me five dollars to five-fifty a week and my washing six cents a garment. In case we move and I do not get my pay I will have some on hand to use. I do not like to get short of money.

Lieutenant Hall will tell you more than I have time to write.

With love,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

I presume you will be a little surprised to hear that we are under marching orders again. I have been expecting it for some days. We have moved our Camp about a half a mile to the east from our old Camp,- onto clean, high, level ground. Our old Camp had become unclean from long use, and in the hot weather it did not smell very sweet. We now have everything clean and new. We were three days building our new quarters which was hard work for me. Captain Crary and I went to the woods, cut pine trees and split them into slabs for the sides of our quarters covering the top with canvas. We have two bunks,- one double below for the Captain and me, and one single above occupied by Lieutenant Culver. We have all necessary furniture of our own manufacture, and keep our house in good order.

Our mess tent is a few feet back of our tent and the members of our mess are: Captain A. H. Tanner of Whitehall; Captain O. S. Hall of Cambridge; Captain J. S. Crary of Salem; Lieutenant Alex Anderson of Fort Ann; Lieutenant J. W. Culver of Shushon; and myself. We employ a cook, buy the provisions, and each one pays one sixth of the expense. We think this our best and cheapest way of boarding. And then we will have someone to provide for us on a march and in a battle so I will not starve again if we have another one.

We pay for dried apples 12 cts. per lb.; raisins, 20 cts.; good tea is 60 cts.; coffee 12 cts.; flour 4 cts.; and meat, sugar and molasses about one-third lower than with you. Eggs are 50 cts. a dozen and lemons 8 cts. each. We have very good board. Our cook bakes very well for a man. We are having the best food that I have had since I came into the service and I enjoy it very much as I have a good appetite now, although sometimes I must be careful what I eat.

If we go on a march I will write as often as I can.

Write me the same as I cannot tell when I will get mail.

Ever with love,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Mary,-

I will write home as often as I can while we are under marching orders as I do not know at what time we may move. I know that something is in progress. Five First Sergeants have been promoted to Lieutenants; arms, accoutrements and clothing have been looked after; three days' rations are kept on hand; and we have inspection every morning.

I have received a letter from brother Will. He writes in good spirit. I send you photograph of Colonel Norton, also of Adjutant Wallace. Both are good.

I received the box all in good condition.

If you do not hear from me regularly don't neglect to write to,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Dear Wife,-

We remain in our new Camp yet having a good easy time,

plenty of good things to eat, with only enough work for exercise. The five newly promoted Lieutenants added to our number of officers make our duty light. If it were not for the doing duty on the Sabbath I would like the service very much better, but I do not like to work on the Lord's Day,. Some of it, I know, might be put over, but we must do as we are told, or we cannot get along well here. There must be no back talk. Of course I have the greater part of the time to myself when on duty and shall try and use the time the best I can.

You write me you want me to resign and go home. I cannot do so now at this time if I keep as well as I am,- it would not be honorable. I know I am sacrificing both pleasure and money, and perhaps health and life, but I think it is my duty to stay and help put down this rebellion. I am sure the Lord wants me to do this work and if it is His will He will keep me from harm and I can trust in Him. I hope the time may come soon when the South may see their folly and come to terms with the North. My opinion that slavery is wrong grows stronger every day and it is the sin of the Nation and must be done away with.

Remember your letters are to come often to,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

June 12th, 1863.

Dear Wife,-

I am on Camp duty today and am kept very busy but will write as I have the time,- a few minutes now and a few another time, for it is my opinion that I shall have to do my writing in this way for a while.

We have orders to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice and I think we will march from here in less than twenty-four hours. I suppose you know about my Camp duty as it about the same that was performed when we were in Camp at Salem. At Guard Mount at 9 o'clock A. M. I take the men who are detailed for this duty under my command. I have enough men for three reliefs, each relief has enough men when posted a certain distance apart to extend all around the Camp, also one for Headquarters, which is the Colonel's tent, and a relief for anything that is to be guarded. After assuming command of the guard I take them to the guard-house where they are divided into three reliefs and numbered to correspond with the posts. They also are numbered all the way around the Camp. After they have been numbered the first relief goes on duty and remains for two hours, walking their beats,- that is, from a certain point to the next number. When the first men have been on duty two hours they are relieved by the second and the second by the third and the third by the first, which makes them two hours on duty and four hours off, for twenty-four hours, when they are relieved altogether.

The Officer of the Camp Guard has everything in and around the Camp to look after, which keeps one busy the most of the time. I will get no sleep tonight. At 8 o'clock A. M. I received orders to arouse the Camp tomorrow morning at three o'clock so that the Regiment will be in readiness to march at five o'clock. We start with only three days' rations and forty rounds of ammunition.

I was up all night and at three o'clock I awoke the Company officers of each company and at five o'clock breakfast was over, knapsacks packed, tents were struck and we were ready to march. We marched as we had received orders, at five o'clock. I remained on duty as Officer of the Guard whose duty it was to march in rear of the Regiment as rear guard.

The men started out in good spirits for it was reported that we were only going as far as Brooks Station to go into Camp there. We marched within one and one-half miles of this place and came to a halt on a rough piece of ground where there had been corn the year before. Here we formed our Company streets and the men were soon at work with pick, shovel, spade and ax, leveling the ground and putting up tents. They were working hard and had them well under way, and some had their tents up, when they were suddenly checked by an order to get ready to march. With a disappointed look they left off work, struck what tents that had been pitched, and packed up again and were ready to march.

Everything now had the appearance of a long march. Here the sick and complaining were examined and all who were not able to march were sent to hospitals. All surplus baggage and clothing were ordered to be abandoned and the men were to lighten their knapsacks as much as possible. I could not get to my valise so could not get a change of clothing. Our valises are to be stored somewhere.

I was at this time relieved from duty and reported to Captain Crary. We took up our line of march again at five o'clock P. M. We did not go far before we came up on to the wagon train coming in on another road. The wagon train always has the right to the road so we had to march on the side, which was very rough, and some places very narrow, which made hard marching for us. Darkness came on and we had to march slowly, standing still a few minutes and then moving on a few steps. Dark clouds began to gather in the west which added to the darkness; lightning flashed and the thunder rolled. When the flash of lightning had passed it was so dark we could not see where to set our feet. The drivers could not see where they were going and I saw two six-mule teams that had gone over the rocks and had fallen about fifty feet to the rocks below. All went over,- driver, mules, wagons and all that were in them. We could see them by the flashes of lightning.

In this way of marching the men became fatigued and as soon as we would halt for a few minutes they would lie down and fall asleep, which made hard work to start them again. We continued in this way all night and when daylight came,- which is now June 14th, we saw wagons loaded with supplies over the banks of the road, broken and had to be abandoned.

We did not halt for breakfast the morning of the 14th and not having any supper the night before we were hungry and nearly exhausted. After daylight we forded a creek, the water coming above our knees. We passed through Dumfries and halted about two miles beyond in an open field in the hot sun. Here the sun was so hot we put up our tents and at twelve o'clock M. we had our dinner,- the first we had eaten since the noon before except raw pork and hardtack that we had to eat dry while marching. I now got the first rest and sleep since the night of the 11th, being forty-eight hours without either, which almost used me up. We did not march in the afternoon but remained where we halted until the next morning, Monday, June 15th, when we were called up with orders to be ready to march at four o'clock. We got our breakfast, packed up and at the time mentioned we took up our line of march toward Fairfax Court House.

The sky was without a cloud and the day was extremely hot. The men threw away everything that they could get along without. We arrived at the Occoquan River about noon but did not halt for dinner, but pushed on up the hill beyond where many of the men fell from sunstroke and some died.

Just before we got to the Occoquon I noticed Sergeant R. B. Beattie was very pale and the perspiration had dried on his face and I knew at once that he was in danger of sunstroke. I told him to sit down on the bank of the stream and bathe his wrists, head and face and I would see if I could not get something to start the perspiration again, which would relieve him. I soon found Captain Crary and reported the condition of Beattie to him. He procured some whiskey and gave it to him and he soon was better and marched on with us. I had only got to the top of the hill when I was taken with a severe attack of dysentery and could hardly march. I found Dr. Connolly and told him my trouble asking him to give me something to relieve me, so that I could keep up with the Company, that I did not like to fall behind on a march. He gave me three opium pills and told me to take one each hour for three hours. I suffered so much pain I took them all within fifteen minutes. After a while they gave me some relief so I kept with the Company.

We did not have anything to eat all day and marched until eight o'clock P. M. when we halted for the night near Fairfax Court House, Va. I was in so much pain I could not eat anything so I was given a ration of whiskey. I lay down on the ground without any covering putting my blanket under my head for a pillow. The whiskey cut the opium I had taken and I did not realize anything until morning when I was awakened by Captain Crary. I could not arise from the ground. He sent for Dr. Connolly who prescribed for me and after a while I could ride on horseback and started with the Regiment.

I could not eat breakfast that morning. We only moved about two miles and went into Camp in a piece of woods. I lay under a tree in the shade and slept until noon when I ate some dinner, then went to sleep again. I slept that afternoon and night and the next morning felt as good as new.

Wednesday, June 17th, 1863.

We marched this morning at three o'clock to within one and one-half miles of Dranesville Village. We camped on Prospect Hill, having marched nine miles. Here the men had good foraging,-chickens, pork, beef and vegetables. The men were in want of such food and of course took it. I feel it is right to take what we can get from the country. It cuts off their supplies and helps us. Our men need this fresh food as they can get but little when we are in Camp.

We did not march again today but had a good rest.

Thursday, June 18th, 1863.

We resumed our march this morning at seven o'clock, marching through Dranesville Village. It was very hot all the forenoon and we marched nearly all the time, making only short halts. About noon clouds began to gather in the west and just before we arrived at Coos Creek a heavy rain and hailstorm, accompanied with lightning and thunder, broke upon us and soon drenched us to the skin. We had to ford Coos Creek. The water was over the roadbed four feet deep. The fording of the creek made but little difference as we were as wet as we could be. It rained all of the afternoon and evening and when we went into Camp at Leesburg we were a wet, tired, hungry lot of fellows. We had marched about seventeen miles.

The country around Leesburg is very fertile, has good water, is well wooded and has fine crops.

We did not march this morning but witnessed the saddest enforcement of military law that I have seen since I have been in the service. It was the execution, by shooting to death, of three soldiers for desertion. Our Corps, the 12th, of which they were members (two of them belonging to our Brigade, the 46th Penna., and one to the 13th New Jersey), were formed in a hollow square on three sides about noon, and at one o'clock P. M. the criminals were brought out on the field in an ambulance tightly closed and guarded. Immediately preceding the ambulance was an army wagon carrying the coffins. In advance of the wagon were thirty-six armed soldiers who were detailed to do the shooting, marching to the beat of muffled drums. All were in charge of the Provost-marshal. On arriving at the place of execution the men were helped out of the ambulance, blindfolded and arms pinioned and were led to their graves and seated on their coffins. All were strong, healthy- looking young men. There were twelve executioners to one criminal; six of their guns were loaded and six were not. This was so they would not know who did the killing. When all were ready the Chaplain made a prayer. There was silence for a moment. At a signal the thirty-six guns came to an aim. At the word "Fire" there was a volley of musketry, the men fell back on their coffins pierced with bullets. The clothing was stripped from the breast of the dead who lay in their coffins, exposing to the view of twenty thousand soldiers who were marched past the corpses, three four and six bullet wounds, respectively. We were marched back to Camp and rested the remainder of the day.

It is reported today that the enemy are in this vicinity,- that a large force had been seen by our scouts.

Saturday, June 20, 1863.

We are yet in Camp near Leesburg. The inhabitants are all Rebels and talk very saucy and bitter toward the North. The men rejoice at this as they are allowed to forage and can live well on the country. They can get here potatoes, onions, milk, butter, flour, mutton, veal and pork and sometimes a hive of honey. One fellow was eating honey in the dark, after it had been taken from the hive and got several bees in his mouth and was badly stung. The next day he could hardly talk his tongue was so swollen.

I am writing this letter in the parlor of a Rebel house while waiting for dinner. Lieutenant Geo. R. Hall has returned from his leave of absence and came to the village of Leesburg with me. He has been telling me all about the people at home and what a fine time he had. He said you did not send a kiss by him but Ella did. We had a good dinner for a Southern dinner. A young lady waited on table. I suppose the young lady did not dare to let a colored servant wait on us as she would not watch us closely enough. The people here think we are all thieves. When we are hungry and can get anything to eat we do so. We paid the lady for our dinners. Lieutenant Hall returned from the 15th. I received the money you sent by him, also the stamps.

I do not get any rest today. This morning we moved our Camp and then our whole Company went on Camp Guard. There is nothing that annoys me so much as this Sabbath work. If it were not for that I would not complain about the service. It is true I see and hear other wickedness, but can avoid it, but this Sabbath work I cannot get out of. I am willing to do all that is necessary to guard and protect life and property but cannot see why it was necessary to move Camp today. We certainly had work enough without it.

Monday, June 22nd, 1863.

Our camp remains at Leesburg at this date, We have had Brigade inspection today. Arms and accoutrements were found to be in good order. I have fallen in love with this country,-it is the most beautiful I have ever seen. It is rolling, not hilly, and very fertile. I can see meadows and fields of wheat, oats and corn of from fifty to one hundred acres. The wheat and oats are ready for harvest.

I do not find any Union people here. They are all Confederates and think they will succeed in this war. They say that the North has sent all the men it has into the service,- that all have been conscripted who are able to do service. I think that in time they will find it different from what they now talk.

Tuesday, June 23rd, 1863.

We could not be left to rest today but had to be called out to drill this forenoon, and now have orders to go on picket for three days. I understand the order is for the whole Regiment.

Wednesday, June 24th, 1863.

Our whole Regiment are on picket today. We came out for three days. The telegraph wires have been cut twice in the village of Leesburg today. General Slocum has issued an order and sent it to the village authorities that if it was repeated he would shell and burn the town. I hope it will not be cut again. It would be terrible to resort to such measures. The innocent women and children would suffer with the guilty. There are many good people in the town who know nothing about it. Harsh measures must be resorted to sometimes to keep these people under subjection or they might murder us all. Many of them are so bitter toward us I feel that if it were not for fear of such punishment they might poison us.

It is reported the Rebel cavalry are advancing toward us. We are to keep our arms by us tonight ready to receive the enemy at any time.

Thursday, June 25th, 1863.

Long before daylight this morning we were in line standing by our arms ready to receive the enemy, but they did not put in an appearance. We have remained at our posts all day. There has been heavy firing in our front not far distant. It was our cavalry fighting the enemy's cavalry at Upperville. At last report the enemy were falling back, with our men hard after them. It commenced to rain about the middle of the afternoon which made it very unpleasant doing picket duty.

It rained all night and nearly all day today. At midnight last night while we were on picket we could hear quite a tumult in the camps,- officers calling to their men to fall in and we could hear them marching away. At three o'clock A. M. we received an order to be in readiness to march and at six o'clock we marched away and left the line to take care of itself without the pickets. We passed over the old battleground of Balls Bluff and overtook the Brigade before crossing the Potomac River at Edwards Ferry into Maryland. The marching was bad, the mud being quite deep, with continuing rain working it up more and more.

We had no breakfast before starting and did not halt long enough to eat until four P. M., when we halted and had breakfast, dinner and supper all at one time. After supper we were ordered to go into Camp for the night. We had passed through a small village called Pottsville about three miles back. We marched only about twelve miles.

Saturday, June 27th, 1863.

We started up early this morning, had our breakfast, and marched at five o'clock A. M. crossed over the Monocacy River and the aqueduct of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. At ten o'clock A. M. we halted at the Point of Rocks for dinner. Jacob Hoover of our Company did not come up. So far he is the only straggler on this march. We marched again at two o'clock P. M. and kept on the tow-path through the Point of Rocks and as far as Catopin where we passed under the canal, passing through Slab City and Petersville and went into Camp two miles beyond the latter village at nine-thirty P. M. It rained nearly all afternoon and evening.

Sabbath, June 28th, 1863. It was reported this morning that General Hooker was relieved from command of the army yesterday and General Meade has his place. When General Hooker passed us yesterday at the Point of Rocks he was loudly cheered. We broke Camp this morning at four-thirty o'clock marching through Centreville and Jefferson on to Frederick City. Last night we marched three miles out of our route and had to retrace our steps this morning. We passed through Frederick City at four o'clock P. M. It rained hard all afternoon. When passing through the city the people brought out pails of whiskey with tin cups and set them on the sidewalks. Some of the men drank too freely of it. We pitched tents about a mile beyond the city. Lieutenant Marcus Beadle joined his company (I) this evening. Monday, June 29th, 1863.

We marched at five-thirty this morning. After marching a short distance we halted for the wagon train to pass us, which was four hours in passing. We resumed our march again at ten- thirty. We crossed the Monocacy River on the pike road to York, Pa., marching through Woodbury and camped near Laddsburg at nine o'clock P. M. It rained again today.

We started on our march this morning a little after three o'clock, marching very rapidly through Taneytown. We were pushed forward all afternoon not halting to get anything to eat. When within two miles of Littlestown, Pa., we received an order to halt, draw the charges that the men had in their guns to see that their guns were in good order and to reload and prime. Ammunition was also inspected. While we were doing this the artillery went dashing past us, the horses on the run. We now expected work ahead. As soon as the artillery had passed we were ordered to move forward on a double quick, which we kept up for three miles, passing through Littlestown in this way. The people were out at their doors passing to the men as they ran by such provision as they had in their houses,with water. Ladies waved their handkerchiefs and cheered us on. Some were in tears and some in smiles. At the hotel a number had gathered and were singing patriotic songs. If I ever felt I wanted to fight the enemy it was here where those ladies were calling us to drive the Rebels back into Virginia where they belonged. Then, too, I remembered the patriotism of that state,- the thousands it had fed while going to the front and the care it had given to the sick and wounded returning to their homes. This all passed through my mind and I felt I wanted to meet them in this free, hospitable, patriotic state. We did not slacken our pace until we were a mile beyond the town, when we were marched into a large field, formed in a line of battle and rested. Our cavalry had run into the Rebel cavalry and had a skirmish at this place but had driven them back. The cavalry lost three men killed. A strong picket line was put out and then we pitched our tents for the night and had our supper.

Wednesday, July 1st, 1863.

I could get no sleep last night. After our tent was up and I had my supper I got a cracker box for a desk, sat down on the ground and wrote all night, making out our muster and payrolls. Yesterday being the last day of the month the work must be done or the men cannot get their pay. I can finish them today if I can get two hours to work on them. I am almost worn out today. We marched about thirty miles yesterday. We broke Camp this morning at seven o'clock, marched back until we struck the Gettysburg pike, then marched toward Gettysburg about four miles and halted, remaining here until two o'clock P. M. here I had dinner and finished out Company reports and muster- and payrolls. Gettysburg is about ten miles from Littlestown. At two o'clock we started on our march again, halted within a mile of Gettysburg and formed in aline of battle. We could hear cannonading and sharp musketry firing the farther side of the village. It came nearer and nearer. The enemy were driving our troops back through the village. We moved a short distance taking a new position to the left of where we first formed which was on the pike on the extreme right of the line near Wolf Hill. We were not brought under fire. The fighting ceased about seven o'clock P. M. We lay down to rest with guns in hand, without covering, so as to be in readiness to receive the enemy should they make an attack. We could eat no supper. The night was warm and clear so did not suffer for the want of covering.

We were not disturbed last night. This morning we had crackers and coffee for our breakfast, the only food we could get and I relished that. After we had our coffee we were moved forward and took a position in the front line on the right of the cemetery, our right (that is, the right of the Regiment) resting on Rock Creek, reaching to the swamp or marsh. Our line ran through a heavy growth of timber. Here we built breastworks by felling large trees, trimming the limbs off and laying one on to the other until we had piled them breast high. We held them in place by smaller timbers notched and laid the other way. The upper timber we raised about three inches above the second timber so that we could put our guns between them and take aim, the upper timber protecting our heads. We then dug a ditch on our side deep enough so that when standing our heads would come as high as A the top of the works. We left a shelf of earth next to the timber so that short men could get onto that which would raise them high enough. We threw the earth on the enemy's side of the works so that a shell or solid shot would not splinter the timber,- the earth would check the force of them. The limbs we had cut from the timber we trimmed of all small branches, intertwining them in front of our works, the points of these limbs facing the enemy and were as high as a man's head, making it almost impossible for men to get through them. This is called "abatis." At Chancellorsville we learned the importance of good works and now put into use this knowledge. We felt we could hold our works if the enemy should bring twice our number against us. Skirmishing on our left was kept up all day and in the open fields if a man should expose his head to the enemy he would soon hear the whiz of a sharpshooter's ball pass it. We had finished our works and were thinking that we might rest a while about six o'clock, when an order came to fall in. There was hard fighting at this time to our left. We fell in at once and marched rapidly away from out works in the direction of where the battle raged furiously on the left, which was on Round Top. When we had reached the foot of Round Top we advanced with a terrible shower of lead with shell passing over our heads, some of the shell coming so close that many of us had to bow to them. When we had reached the top the enemy had fallen back, fresh troops were advancing and we were not needed at that place any more so we were ordered back to our works again.

We had got within eighty rods of our works when an officer rode up to Colonel McDougall, telling him that the enemy were occupying his works. The Colonel did not credit this report. Colonel Selfridge of the 46th Reg. Penn, Vols. suggested that he entertain the truth of the report before advancing his Brigade. Colonel McDougall then ordered a skirmish line sent out. Lieutenant Marcus Beadle and a part of Company I were ordered to do the work. Lieutenant Beadle deployed his men and advanced. While he was getting ready the men of the Regiment were going to a stream in front which ran from Spangle Spring to fill their canteens with water. Men were coming from the other side and filled their canteens. It was so dark they could not tell who each other were until they got together and then our men saw that they on the other side were Rebels. They informed Lieutenant Beadle what they saw, which he did not credit and yet was careful to save his men. He advanced with them across the stream and then halted his men and challenged them with, "Who is there?"

The reply came, "Pickets from the Second Division of the

Twelfth Corps. Come on it is all right." Lieutenant Beadle knew that the Second Division of our Corps was on our left when we left our works and now thought that when we moved out they had extended their picket line so as to hold our works, so leaving his men where they were he went forward himself and discovered too late that they were Rebels and he a prisoner. The enemy then told him to order his men to advance but he ordered them,"Fall back, men," which they obeyed at once , having heard the conversation between Lieutenant Beadle and the enemy, and they were saved from capture. As soon as our men began to fall back the enemy opened fire on them, the skirmishers firing as they fell back.

When the skirmishers went out the Brigade was formed in Regimental front one regiment behind the other. Our regiment was about half way down the hill in a cornfield and the 145th Regt. New York Vols. were about six rods back, on top of the hill. The men were so worn out that when we halted they had lain down and fallen asleep. When the skirmishers began to fall back the Regiment had orders to move back to the top of the hill. The firing started up the 145th and thinking we were the enemy advancing on them they began to fire on us and fall back rapidly leaving their Colors, and some their knapsacks. Their officers had hard work to check them. Fortunately they fired over our heads. The Regiment fell back over the crest of the hill, sent A out a strong picket line and lay down their arms until the morning.

continued next column

This morning Colonel McDougall with the regimental commanders of the Brigade, began to reconnoiter and consider how the Brigade could get in possession of their works again. He ordered the 20th Conn. out as skirmishers, who were supported by a battery on a hill about half a mile back of them. This regiment skirmished nearly all of the forenoon, the battery keeping up a firing. The battery had to throw their shells close to our heads and for some cause some of the shell exploded back of us which killed and wounded some of the men in the 46th Penn. Vols. who were at our right. Colonel Selfridge came to Colonel McDougall saying with an oath, at the same time drawing his revolver, that he was going to see the officer in command of that battery and if another shell fell short he would shoot the Rebel gunner. There were no more shell exploded behind us after the Colonel had seen the officer. The fuse of the shell had been cut too short for the distance.

About eleven o'clock Colonel McDougall came to Major Rogers and told him that he wanted him to take the 123rd Regiment and charge and retake the works and he would have the rest of the Brigade support him. About noon we were formed behind the 20th Conn., all ready for the charge. The battery on the hill began to use every gun throwing shell into the enemy's line in front of us. We advanced into the woods and in the rear of the 20th Conn. where we could see our works, when the order came to charge. The men began to cheer and run forward, firing as they advanced, bayonets fixed. The battery ceased firing. On we went over the dead and wounded; the enemy falling back, we soon reached our works and held them. The rest of the Brigade advanced and took their old places in the line and the gap from Spangle's Spring closed.

The men commenced at once to face the works to the enemy, as they had faced them toward us when they had taken possession of them. The brush was soon on the other side and the ditch cleared of earth, and videttes sent out to watch and see if the enemy came on to us again. There had been hard fighting here; the dead lay on the ground all along the line.

After we had retaken the works there was no firing along the whole line until one o'clock when the enemy all at once, as by the signal of one gun, opened fire with their artillery and were quickly replied to by our artillery. This firing continued for two hours. It is said that the enemy had one hundred and fifty pieces, and we had full as many more, which made upwards of three hundred pieces of artillery all firing at one time with as many shells exploding. Such a terrific roar, flying of broken shell, splinters of torn trees, were never heard or seen before and probably never will again. The artillery fire ceased about as suddenly as it began and then there was one continuous roar of musketry along the whole line for two hours longer.

About four o'clock the enemy were pressing hard the line at the left of the cemetery and we were ordered out to support it. We moved to the right across the creek and were going up the hill when a sharpshooter's ball struck Captain Norman F. Weer of Company E, in the knee, opening the joint. His cry of pain was heard above every other noise. When we reached the left of the cemetery the enemy had been repulsed and were falling back, so we were ordered back to our old position.

From the time of our return until dark there would be an occasional roll of musketry and then all would be quiet except now and then a musket shot. After dark there was but little firing until about midnight. It was so quiet I told Lieutenant Culver (he being in command of the Company, Captain Crary having been taken sick the first day of the fight and we not having seen him since) that I would take off my shoes and sword belt and lie down on my rubber blanket and get some rest. I had not had my shoes or belt off for three days and nights. I had lain but a short time when Culver came and lay on the blanket beside me and soon was sound asleep. The men had also fallen asleep. I was just dropping into a slumber when I heard a single shot away to the right, then all at once it came rolling down the line. The videttes in front of the Regiment began to fire. I sprang to my feet, calling our men to fall in. I did not take time to put on my shoes, coat or belt, but caught my sword and in a minute had the men in line behind our works and they began to fire before our videttes could get in. I got them checked after firing two rounds. As soon as the men had ceased firing the videttes came in, closely followed by a number of the enemy. I asked them what they had been trying to do. They said they thought we were so worn by fatigue that we had fallen asleep and they had an order to steal upon us and surprise us, that they had crawled so close to us that when the firing began they could not get back and thought they had best come in,- that they could never catch a Yankee napping. There was a large force back of them ready to charge and turn our right wing if they had succeeded in capturing us or driving us back. This was their last hope. Lieutenant Culver slept through it all. I did not lie down again but kept a good lookout for fear the enemy might come on to us again before daylight came.

This was a bright and beautiful morning. Not a sound of a rifle shot was heard nor was there any appearance of the enemy near. Some of the men went out in front, then came back and reported there being no evidence of the enemy there. All had gone, leaving their dead on the field to be buried by us.

Shortly after sunrise we were ordered to fall in and were marched out into the road where other regiments were in line, cavalry in front and artillery between. We marched around the right of the army taking the road to Gettysburg, making a reconnaissance of about eight miles, passing through the village of Gettysburg and returning by way of the cemetery, taking our old position in the works on our return. The enemy had been defeated and had gone.

The excitement of battle was now over and we were all almost starved. The first day of the battle fresh beef had been brought into a field near us and thrown from the wagons onto the grass where it had lain in the sun for over two days. The men would go and cut off slices and broil it in a fire on a stick and eat it without salt.

The stench from thousands of dead men and hundreds of horses that lay all around us was sickening. I could neither eat nor drink anything while in our works.

After we had returned from our reconnaissance on the morning of July 4th I had an opportunity to send a letter back to Littlestown to be mailed and wrote the few following lines, as I could not get the letters I had written to mail: On the Battlefield At

Gettysburg, Pa., July 4, 1863.

Dear Wife,-

I have an opportunity to send you a few lines and will improve it. I am well and uninjured after passing through three days' fighting. We have come off conquerors this time. The enemy are retreating. We will follow them as soon as the wounded are cared for and the dead buried. There is a terrible loss of life on both sides. God is with us. We did not lose a man in our Company.

Love to all,

Affectionately,

R. Cruikshank.

The dead of the enemy must be buried. I was detailed to take charge of some men and bury the dead. In front of our Regiment I found the ground literally covered with dead bodies. Officers in their grey uniforms lay there with their men. General Ewell, Assistant Adjutant-General, and his horse lay where the bodies were the thickest. I think he was killed last night when the enemy made the charge on us at twelve o'clock. The men could have all the private property they found. All army property must be turned over to the Brigade Provost-Marshal. I visited the centre of the line and saw dead men piled one upon the other, and dead bodies nearly covering the ground. Our loss in the Regiment was only fourteen.

This is the Sabbath and to me, here where I am and doing as I am, it is like the other days of the week. A few are thoughtful about the uncertainty of life. In three days thousands of men have passed from Earth into Eternity, and yet these men think no more of this great loss of life than if it were one man.

We remained in our works until the middle of the afternoon when we had an order to move. The stench was terrible and we could stand it no longer. The burial of the dead was finished today. Hundreds of dead horses are lying above ground, bloated as full as the skin will hold.

We have marched about ten miles this afternoon and have camped for the night near Littlestown. I am in hopes now to get something to eat and a good rest tonight.

July 6, 1863.

We marched only about four miles today. We passed through Littlestown and went into Camp in a piece of woods two miles to the south. The town looked deserted as we passed through. Doors were locked and blinds closed and when any of the men were admitted into a kitchen and bought a loaf of bread he was charged fifty cents for it and the same for a bowl of milk.