The 23^rd Massachusetts was part of Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition, the early, successful effort by an amphibious force to capture Confederate ports within the Outer Banks.  Though the battles of the expedition were smaller when compared to the coming battles of the war, several thousand men became casualties along the coast in early 1862.  One such casualty was Captain William B. Alexander – wounded “in the hand and arm” at New Bern, North Carolina.

William was a 29-year-old resident of Boston when he enlisted on April 22, 1861 as a 2^nd Lieutenant.  The next day, he mustered into Company B of the 3^rd Massachusetts.  By July, he mustered out and in December, he was commissioned into Company E of the 23^rd Massachusetts at the rank of Captain. The 23^rd was instrumental in cracking the defensive lines at Roanoke Island in February of 1862.  Little more than a month later, on March 14^th, William was wounded as the 23^rd again went on the attack.

His wife did not know of his wounding when she wrote this touching and personal letter on March 16^th.  She mentions it being a Sunday, which inspires her to wax spiritually.  She laments her time away from him and leans on her religion for comfort, the importance of which she tries impart throughout the letter.  She reiterates her desire for William to find similar trust and comfort in Christian beliefs, and relays her prayers for his safety and the continuation of their partnership.  She says, “I love my own sweet darling husband so well I sometimes think I love you too well, for there is a time coming when we must pass.  If we live together a thousand years, one or the other of us must be called first and dear William, will you not be prepared for death that when the summons do come, they may find us ready and willing to dwell with Jesus. Then, if we meet no more on Earth, we may meet in heaven where parting is never known.”  She expounds upon her deep love for William and her concerns about either one of them passing away to leave the other alone with their child (Ida). She ends by writing, “It seems if you ever live to come home again, I cannot ever have you go away from me again. I love you so well I almost idolize you dear husband and I love you more and more each day that I live. I am hoping soon to have you with me again that we may spend many happy days and years together if it can be God’s will… O how I wish I could throw my arms around your neck tonight. I give you a good hugging and kissing – this from your own true and faithful wife and one that loves you dearly and tenderly. – Yours forever, write often, M. F. Alexander”.

Quite the letter from home to a wounded officer. Sure to be a feature of any Civil War ephemera collection.  [cm][ph:L]