Description:

Civil War


Civil War Union Soldier Letter, Includes Capture of Petersburg, and Witnessing the Rejoicing of Slaves

 

Autographed Bi-fold letter, totaling 4 pages. There is some creative spelling that actually adds to the charm of the letter. Dated "March 7, 1865", 5" x 8", heavily penned. Lightly toned with several scattered pale stains.

 

Henry Pilling enlisted on Sept. 5, 1864 as a Private and was mustered into "G" Co., 211th PA Infantry. The 211th served mostly in Hartranft's Brigade of the Army of the Potomac, and the men were mustered out on June 2nd, 1865. Pilling writes these letters describing the hurried movements of his unit and the Union Army around Petersburg in March & April of 1865. He has trouble getting them mailed, so he just continues writing the news as the days go on. These read more like a diary entry rather than a letter. Partial transcripts follow:

 

""March the 7th, 1865

Camp in Field, Dinwiddie Co., VA, 32 miles Southwest from Petersburg on the southside Railroad Dear Brother,

I thought you would be quite anxious to hear from me as you must have heard of our victory in taking Petersburg and Richmond.

Our 9th Corps made a charge on last Sunday morning on their lines near Petersburg; captured 5 forts, and we lost some good officers and men. But we held our position till Monday Morning, and then the Rebs was not to be found. We went into the city. Their troops was all cleared for the south. We hear that Richmond is also evacuated.

Then we had orders to follow them, so we are here, and I thank the Good Lord I fared well and (am) all right. Our Company 'G' are all alive yet. I believe that one was taken prisoner and one or two badly wounded...

I have seen slaves that appeared very glad to see us. When our band would play, some would dance. A black man and 2 women sat on the fence waving their handkerchiefs as we passed, cheering us, and said, "Dis is de happiest day I ever see since I was born..."

The boys who has been foraging, they have got chickens, pigs, molasses... We are guarding the railroad today, so we have a little time to spare....

Well, we are here yet, so I improve the time writing. The country around Petersburg looks good. It is a nice city and some good farms and nice houses...there is a good many peach trees and some apple orchards and all in bloom now. The farmers say they pay one tenth part of all they have to the Army.

Some are stripped by the Rebs; others, that live back, have plenty.

Well I must stop to stand on picket. I will send this up. If I do not get time to write any more. I would like to know if you are drafted. Let Father know that I am safe yet… "

"Saturday, the 8th:

I have had no chance to send my letter yet. I will write a little more.

Well, Edmund, it was a pretty cold night lat night out on picket, but I do not mind it much as long as our prospects are so good of putting down the Rebellion.

We have news that we are driving them and capturing them...We are 33 miles from Petersburg near Wellsville Station on the southside road. We expect the cars on it in 2 or 3 days. They are mending it night and day. Sheridan had tore up the track in places.

Well, the boys are coming in with captured forage, hams, bacon, hens, molasses called sorgum. We have to live on the country till they can bring our supplies on the railroad.

Well goodbye for this time. Let Father know I am well for I have not much time (to) write."



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