New Bern North Carolina Union Soldier Letter Rebel Siege 1863

The 51st Massachusetts Volunteers saw combat in Fosters Expedition, NC, before duty at Evans Mills, on the Trent River near New Bern. An original Civil War letter from Sergeant Gus B Williams of Blackstone, Massachusetts at Evans Mills March 21 (1863) to "my own darling wife". He writes re family, mentions Lieutenant Howe & others of the regiment, and notes the men apparently dislike any commander, merely because of his position. Mrs McCann has written demanding the return of her husband's body but it is unlikely he will "be boxed up at present".

We occasionally hear the sound of firing guns near Washington (NC), and it still holds out- If our men can leave they should as the town is "hardly worthy the fight". General Foster has asked for 14000 troops to reinforce the 18th Corp, and says New Bern can be held for another 15 days. He thinks the Rebs don't mean to attempt to take the city- "We may be driven in but we have a strong stockade and will attempt to do our best". The Colonel will return from Beaufort. The regt is to be discharged in May but thinks the men will be here till June as "we are needed in the field". He is content to remain here but would be happy to be at home with you.. He mentions Dr Jewett, and expects to be well of the rheumatism once the warm weather arrives- he can barely walk at present. He asks for flannel drawers etc, but "don't send if fighting starts at New Bern". 4 pp ink, 8 x 5" with pen and pencil additions on the edges- He asks re their boy and signs the letter on the top front side "Your Husband. Light ink but legible and well written.

Minor age stains, Overall VG. NOTE: Any repair to a paper item is listed. I use only museum curator approved archival repair tape. All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic and in the condition as described.

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