Letter of Leonard Shattuck, 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Dated July 18, 1863—Two Weeks After Gettysburg

Description

Letter of Leonard Shattuck, 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery

Dated July 18, 1863—Two Weeks After Gettysburg

This original Civil War letter was written on July 18, 1863, from Union soldier Leonard Shattuck, serving in the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, then stationed in the defenses of Washington. Writing to his mother, Shattuck reflects upon the dramatic events of early July—most notably the Battle of Gettysburg and the retreat of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

Shattuck reports:

“It seems as if the Union armies as of late achieved some great victories. The evacuation of our armies from the 1st to the 8th of July forced the rebels into the loss of 80,000 soldiers in the Rebel army with a small loss on our side. Our armies are working hard this summer. The government seems to be putting forth its strength in an efficient way.”

Though his casualty estimates are exaggerated—as was common from newspapers and rumor mills of the time—the sentiment clearly reflects the surge of Northern optimism in the immediate aftermath of Gettysburg.

He also references contemporary operations in the South:

“Another assault is being made on Charleston, the island known as Morris from which the rebels bombarded Fort Sumter has been captured with its batteries.”

This places the letter directly within the context of the Second Battle of Fort Wagner (July 18, 1863)—the same day Shattuck wrote—when the 54th Massachusetts made its historic assault.

Shattuck closes by commenting on the predictable life of the garrisoned artillery:

“We are as well here and have the same routine of duty.”

The letter is accompanied by its original envelope and a modern summary card. The content is highly desirable for its immediate response to Gettysburg, commentary on national morale, and coverage of important events unfolding simultaneously at Charleston.

An excellent firsthand document capturing the voice of a Union soldier reflecting on one of the pivotal turning points of the Civil War.

Inventory Number: DOC 403