Description:

Civil War



Civil War Union Soldier Letter, Includes Lee's Surrender, and Death of Lincoln

 

Autograph bi-fold letter, totaling 4 pages mostly in ink on rag laid paper in exc. condition. There is some creative spelling that actually adds to the charm of these letters. Dated April 14, 1865, 5" x 8.25", written in both ink and graphite. Excellent bright condition.

 

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. Reads more like diary entry than a letter. Partial transcript follow:

 

"April the 14th, 1865

Dear Brother,

I received your letter yesterday. It found me well though my knees trouble me in marching. I was glad when we heard that Lee had surrendered. There was a good many troops ahead of us after Lee's forces- Sheridan's Cavalry. We are camped now near Burke's Junction of the South side of Dunvile Railroad—53 miles from Petersburg.

I have just taken a walk around the depot. A train started for City Point loaded heavy with Rebel prisoners, and I saw a pile of Rebel guns which we had taken. They was pilled like wood and would measure 3 cords. A good many of the Rebs seem glad to take the Oath and go home. A good many of them look pretty hard. Some are well dressed in gray. Well I must stop for roll call and super is ready.

Saturday, the 15th

This is a rainy day, and our cloth roof does not shed rain very well, so we cannot write when it rains hard and darkness of the day troubles me to see. But I thought I would scribble a little while I have time, for we expect to move any day. We do not know where but a good many are going back towards Petersburg and Richmond.

I wish you could see the multitudes of soldiers there is here and moving to and fro over pontoon bridges, horses, mules and cavalry in the night. Our campfires look like a great city lighted up. It must cost Uncle Sam something to feed us besides the Reb prisoners, but some of the families and Negroes that are left here will see hard times for living...Uncle Sam provides for them awhile where both armies passed. They striped them pretty well some places. They have some corn left, no flour.

Well, Edmund, it's rumored here that Johnston has surrendered to Sherman and that peace is declared. I hope it (is) so, but we are not sure so I expect there is work to do before we can be discharged. Well, it is time to get supper so I will close...

Sunday morning:

We are all packed up to move. The order came so sudden I had not time to finish and mail my letter. I do not know where we are going, and as I am too late to send the letter, I will finish up when we stop. It will be warm to carry a load today.

Monday the 17th

Edmund, we are now near Notaway Court House, 10 miles back towards Petersburg. How long we will stay here I don't know. That is one thing I do not like about soldiering. We don't know what we will have to do the next hour but must be always ready to start at a few minutes warning.

We heard yesterday that Abraham Lincoln was shot and dead. It made us feel bad, but we hear again that it is a false report. I hope it is.

Well, this is a cold pleasant morning. We have warm days and clear, but cold nights. The trees are about half leaved out. The fruit trees are all in full bloom. There is a good deal more orchards here than at City Point or Bermuda. Well, I must close... Give my respects to all and (tell them) that I still have a hope in the Savior.

From Henry to Edmund and the children."


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