Four letters, dated, “Camp 10th C. V., Dec. 21, 22, 24 & 25th December, St. Augustine Fla.”.  Addressed to wife “Dear Abbie.”  These letters run consecutively, written in ink on unlined paper, 5 x 8”. Ink lightly faded, while remaining entirely legible. In protective sleeve. Accompanied by documentation. Invites further research.

Note: Benjamin Wright was a 27-year-old resident of Greenwich, CT, who enlisted as Sergeant and was mustered into Co. “I”, 10th CT. Infantry, 9/13/1861. He was promoted to 2nd Lieut., 1/8/1863, and to 1st Lieut., 6/6/1864, mustering out at the termination of his 3-year enlistment, 10/ 17/1864. He returned to Greenwich, CT, where he was active in the Lombard GAR. His 10th CT regiment served in the Carolina Department, participating in the Siege of Charleston, from July through October 1863. Transferred to Virginia in 1864, it was attached to Gen. Butler’s army, participating in action at Drewry’s Bluff, Bermuda one Hundred and the Siege of Petersburg, and was present at Hatcher’s Run and Appomattox Court House.

In these letters, written in Christmas bivouac in St. Augustine, FL, in December 1863. In these letters he writes, of regimental members being sent North on recruiting duty, and the death of Sergeant Salter of his company, and religion, and his thoughts concerning the inevitable collapse of the Confederacy. Excerpts as Follows”

“We received orders to nominate one officer from the regiment and one enlisted man from each company to proceed to Conn. to recruit…I think I hardly would have accepted if it had been offered to me. I had about enough experience in that line, although going as an officer would have been much different…A great many of the men are talking of going into the Veteran Corps. I don’t think I shall fancy that very much (as)…it will break us up badly and perhaps those that are left will be put into other regiments…I don’t intend to worry about the matter. If all men go in the Veteran Corps perhaps they will send me home…

Another of our company has been called to his long home… Sergt. Salter died in our regimental hospital at 11:30 this forenoon…It will be a sad blow to his wife, somewhat prepared for it perhaps by his long illness, still when she knows it to be a reality she will feel it deeply…When I put my name down to fight for my country, Sergt. Salter put his down. He has been taken and I am left. His mission has been accomplished and he has been called home. He has been taken and I am left.

(Concerning Unitarians} We had a meeting tonight but I did not go…We believe in being sociable but but as for uniting with anything that is not evangelical we can’t do it…(Concerning Catholics) Last night I went downtown after I stopped writing and attended mass at the Cathedral. It was a mass of flummery, but after all I could have more charity for them than a Unitarian. At least they believe in Christ…

We have truly great cause for thankfulness for what we accomplished this year…Battle after battle has been won and the whole fill our ranks. The sooner it is done the less it will cost in blood and treasures…”  [JP]

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