Letter from Leonard Emery, 12th Vermont Infantry, Stannard’s Vermont Brigade, on the Prelude to the Battle of Gettysburg

Description

Letter from Leonard Emery, 12th Vermont Infantry, Stannard’s Vermont Brigade, on the Prelude to the Battle of Gettysburg

Two-sided, single-page letter in pencil written by Leonard Emery of the 12th Vermont Infantry. Emery enlisted in August 1862 as a private in the 9-month 12th Vermont, part of Stannard’s Vermont Brigade of Pickett’s Charge fame. Emery writes… Direct as before June 21st, 1863 Grosvenor Hospital, Alexandria, VA Dear Mother, I am getting along well to day is Sunday quit cool yesterday I help (intelligible) inspection to day at 10AM. I have got my boot black Fryday night I watch the last part of the night shall have to to night. The boyes are 15 miles from here they pass through where we camp last winter they had hard time 2 soldiers came here sun struck. There 20 in army dropped ded and 1000 men sunstruk on the march to Fare Fax C.H. the woods was full straglers the men threw way those overcoats and blankets they destroyed them. The rebels have got Penn, Maryland and find good picking. Lee is coming his army 90,000 the rebels forces 120,000 the pres has call for 100,000 men for 6 months but he will call for 500,000 soon there are 120 men here at Grosvenors hospital the boys I got sick are at Fare Fax C.H. please write soon I expect to go to the regt. this week but cant tell certain the doct would not let me go last week but I am better off here is dry at (intelligible) calves how much milk do you get please write I will ajourn until after inspection 4 docts have pass through and looked at the men. Please write as soon as you get this I want you should keep (intelligible) I shall be week and not able to go in the hard work. Your good boy Leonard Emery To Lucy Emery   Leonard Emery: Residence Tunbridge VT; Enlisted on 8/22/1862 as a Private. On 10/4/1862 he mustered into “D” Co. VT 12th Infantry He was Mustered Out on 7/14/1863 at Brattleboro, VT

Inventory Number: DOC 276