TWO LETTERS BY THOMAS W. GARDNER, 14th CT INFANTRY, WRITTEN DURING & AFTER GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN

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Item Code: 1054-2136

Here are two letters written by a soldier who was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. Thomas W. Gardner was a resident of Waterford, CT. He enlisted on July 28, 1862 as a private. On August 23, 1862 he mustered into Co. "H", 14th CT Infantry. He was promoted to corporal on February 9, 1863. He saw action with the regiment at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. The first letter was written early in the Gettysburg campaign. On July 3, the 14th CT was ordered to drive Confederate sharpshooters from the Bliss barn. During their charge, Gardner was struck in the head by musket fire. He never fully recovered and was discharged for disability on December 29, 1863. The second letter was written as he was convalescing from his wound.

First letter is four pages long on lined, ivory colored folded paper. It shows fold creases but no tears or chips. Measures 8" by 10". Second letter is on tan colored lined paper. It is one page front and back. Right side shows small tears and a chip, plus fold creases. It measures 4.5" by 7.5". Both were written in pencil. Printed copies of transcribed letters accompany purchase.

 

First letter reads - June 14th, 1863

Dear Sister, Tis Sunday in the army. Sunday is about as any other day. We have almost the same duties to perform except drills. Yesterday I did not have time to write you so you see I cannot write every day. Yesterday I came out on picket and so today I find myself on picket. We do not picket down by the river now. We picket along the road that runs from Falmouth to Warrenton. Our army is still moving on the road that leads to Warrenton.  The train of wagons are moving most all night. Could you see the roadside along which the army has passed you would be surprised to see the blankets and overcoats strewn along. The roadside is strewn with them. I could almost make a fortune picking them up if I could save them. The soldier cannot carry them in this hot weather. It is very warm out here and has been very dry. We have had little or no rain since the battle in May. (Referring to Chancellorsville) Only one shower before last night. We had quite a shower and today it looks like rain. I hope we may get some for I think it would be better for the soldiers, besides it would do a great deal of good. The last time I was down by the river on picket the Rebels were very sociable. They came down in the morning and said good morning Yankees, and wanted to know if we had got Vicksburg, but we were not allowed to reply to them. In the shower we picked up blankets and overcoats to make us a shelter from the rain. We have got as many as a half doz. over coats, 1/2 doz. blankets and shelter tents, and almost every other article of clothing that the soldier wears, those thrown away on the march. I wish I could send Seyman some of the blankets and overcoats. They would be very nice to carry on the water with him. There is almost clothes enough thrown away to cloth an army as large as the one we have.

June 16th, 1863

Dear Sister, I have just a few moments today. We have been marching two days and one night. We started Sunday night. We have had very hard marching. It is very warm weather. We are somewhere between Dumfries and Centreville. I presume you know about our retreat to save the Capital. The times look dark but I believe God will fetch it out right. Pray for us. This is from Thomas. I have not received any more letters since your last of June 7th.

 

Second letter reads - July 30

I feel as well as common. My wound is no worse but I think it is better. I sent to the express office by the Chaplain but he did not find out whether it was there or not. Last night I sent by the ward master and he found it was there & he'll get it in the morning.  If I had been able to go out on the street I might probably had got it before. I have never been out since I came here but I think I shall go out before long if I feel as smart as I do now. I received the 75 cents you sent in your letter but I could not help feeling bad when I did not get any letter from home. It worried me very much. Morning after morning came but still no news from home until Tuesday morning.  I received one informing me that they had written. Also that they has sent the money. I will close now because the mail goes at eight. From, Thomas   [sl]

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