SOLDIER LETTER—2ND LIEUTENANT EDMUND COTTLE, CO. “D”, 4TH MASS. INFANTRY

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Item Code: L14275

Dated “Camp Joe Hooker, Lakeville [Evening Dec. 9th/ ‘62]. 3 pp., in ink, 8 x 5”. Exhibits fold-marks, else VG, and entirely legible. Addressed to “My Darling Hattie”, Lt. Cottle’s letter was obviously addressed to a sweetheart or wife. From the tone and content it is also obvious that Cottle’s “Darling Hattie” had been nettled by his recent in-attentiveness.

Letter text:

“I have just read yours of the 7th inst. The second time and will write you just a few lines in reply . Last Thurs. morning I started for the Vineyard. I ought to have written you before I went but was not decided about going until that morning then did not have time. Had a pleasant time at house. My visit pleased my friends more than it please me. Returned last evening as far as Taunton. The trains did not connect at Myrides. At Taunton found the company had gone to Rand so by invitation stayed all night with Capt. Bartlett. Came down to Camp this morning. I must laugh at you for scolding me because I did not write to you. I did neglect you a little though not intentionally, and it was very strange for me but you have often done so, and thought unreasonable if I found fault. I am afraid you are feeling unhappy tonight as the Company have been home and returned again without me, and have probably reported that we are to leave Camp this week for the South. But don’t feel alarmed. I am going to visit R. before we go. I see no prospect now of our leaving before next week, and so may not be home until Sat., but if there is danger of our leaving before next week I will come sooner. I will be sure and come, so don’t feel alarmed. I have a great many things to say to you and so wish to be at home Sat. & Sund. If possible. Don’t think that I mean to neglect you at all. You know I do not mean to. You know that wish to do all I can to please you and make you happy. Please don’t complain Hattie because you know I love you with all my heart. I realize it more and more every day. But I must say good night now as it is getting late. Forever your own/ Ed”.

Edmund Cottle, a 24 year old teacher from Randolph, Mass, was mustered as a private into Co. “D”, 4th Mass. Infantry on 5/22/1861, and mustered out on 7/22/1861. [3 month regiment]. He was mustered into Company “D”, 4th Mass. Infantry, as a 2nd Lieutenant on 9/23/1862. [9 month regiment.] He was wounded at Port Hudson, LA, 6/14/1863, and was mustered out at Camp Hooker, Lakeville, Mass. On 8/28/ 1863.

The 3-month 4th Mass. Infy. Was posted at Fortress, Monroe, and participated in the Battle of Big Bethel, June 9-10, 1861.--The 9-month regiment joined in September 1862 and was posted to New York City in late December, prior to their departure for Louisiana. [When writing to “Hattie” on December 9th, Cottle was aware that his regiment would shipped south , but also knew that they would not be leaving until much later that month]. Arriving in New Orleans in mid-January, and attached to the 19th Army Corps. The unit then moved to Baton Rouge and participated in action at Bayou Teche and the Siege of Port Hudson, where Lt. Cottle was wounded on 14 June, The 4th closed their enlistment by being transported up river to Cairo, Ill, from whence they were railroaded east for mustering out in Boston, 8/28/ 1863. During service the unit lost 20 men killed and mortally wounded and 131 to disease for a total of 151. Invites further research. Documentation included.

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