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LETTERS FROM THE FRONT 
 
 with Compliments of 
 
 San Francisco, 
 
 "Haecjuvabit olirn rneminisse." 
 
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT 
 
 FROM OCTOBEK, 1861, TO SEPTEMBER, 1864, 
 
 CYRUS MORTON CUTLER, 
 
 Of Lexington, Middlesex Co., Mass., while a member of Co. F 22ud 
 
 Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment and Battery C 
 
 1st New York (Light) Artillery Regiment. 
 
 " Haec juvabit olim nieminisse." 
 
HHHESE letters are arranged and published Firstly, out 
 -I of my love and respect for the memory of my dear brother, 
 who followed the fortunes of the camps, campaigns and bat 
 tles of the Army of the Potomac, during 1801-2-3-4, on 
 whose record of service no higher enconium need be passed 
 than that granted by all who served with him "a good 
 soldier and a faithful comrade" and to whose modesty and 
 lack of self-interest alone, is due that absence of preferment 
 and promotion, which though proffered, was never sought or 
 accepted. Secondly, from a like love and respect for the 
 memory of our father, whose national service during the War 
 of 1812, and later, in the Volunteer Militia of his State, leads 
 me to believe that the martial spirit so rife in our grandfa 
 ther, Thomas Cutler, of "Lexington Minute Men" and April 
 19, 1775 fame, as well as among our remote ancestors of 
 Colonial days slumbered during peace, only to arouse with 
 renewed vigor, when arms were to be borne in the good 
 cause; and, Finally, for my two sons, whom I trust, these 
 "simple annals" of a "good soldier" will teach, how much 
 is due to those who served and fought "that the Republic 
 might live." 
 
 "Their swords are rust their bones are oust 
 Their souls are with the saints, we trust." 
 
 A. D. CUTLEK. 
 SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., Oct., 1892. 
 
The author of these letters, Cyrus Morton Cutler, was 
 born January 18, 1841, on the homestead of his father and 
 ancestors, who had occupied it since 1635, in Lexington, 
 Massachusetts, being the eighth of eleven children (five sons 
 and six daughters) of Leonard and Maria (Cutter) Cutler. 
 He was a Massachusetts farmer s son, and as such, received 
 the usual education and training, consistent with and com 
 mon to his day and time. He enlisted in Co. F (Union 
 Guard) 22nd Mass. Vol. Infantry, late in September, 1861, 
 in company with three other of Lexington s sons, all of 
 whom returned to their native town, at the expiration of 
 their term of service, save one, who died of wounds received 
 at Malvern Hill, Va. 
 
 He participated in all its experiences (save a short period 
 in hospital during the Peninsula Campaign, 1862) untilJune, 
 
 1863, at which date he responded to a call for volunteers 
 from the infantry to fill the depleted ranks of the light bat 
 teries of the Fifth Army Corps, being detailed to Battery C, 
 First New York (Light) Artillery and serving with it as a 
 private and non-commissioned officer until his muster out at 
 expiration of the original 22nd s term of service in October, 
 
 1864. He was singularly fortunate in his exemption from 
 disease and wounds, although constantly on duty, and is 
 recorded as being exceptionally reliable as to "good order 
 and condition" and "present for duty." 
 
 Although not a frequent correspondent, his letters were 
 graphic and full of descriptive strength, while his continued 
 interest in family, friends and home matters were so promi 
 nent as to make him dearer than ever, and his safe return 
 prayed for. Only those who lived during those stirring days 
 can appreciate the hopes, fears and longings that followed 
 our soldiers, and the joyous welcome accorded the briefest 
 message from "the front;" and when the future historian 
 shall write the true history of those days, he will gather no 
 small measure of fact and inspiration from such letters from 
 the "rank and file." 
 
 After his return to Massachusetts in 1864, his naturally 
 adventurous spirit could not content itself with the peaceful 
 home conditions, and led him to more stirring scenes. 
 Firstly, to the newly discovered oil regions of Pennsylvania, 
 
 464151 
 
ami later to the broad plains of Kansas then being developed 
 by the building of the overland railroads, with the construc 
 tion of which and various cattle interests, he was connected 
 until his death, probably about 1870, although the exact 
 date is unknown in spite of many continued efforts to 
 ascertain the facts. 
 
 Like many of his old comrades, he is debarred from the 
 numerous happy affiliations of our late days, where the 
 "Veterans of the Grand Army" are feted and honored, but 
 our recollections of his youth are no less dear, or his record 
 in his country s service no less bright, that he does not par 
 ticipate in those public recognitions of faithful service, that 
 a grateful nation now happily bestows on his surviving com 
 rades. 
 
 "The muffled drum s sad roll has beat the soldier s last tattoo; 
 "No more on life s parade shall meet the brave and fallen few. 
 "On fame s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread, 
 "And Glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead." 
 
The 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Kegiment 
 was organized under the patronage of its first colonel, Henry 
 Wilson, then U. S. Senator, and later on, Vice-President of 
 the United States, at Lynnfield, Massachusetts, and "mus 
 tered in" U. S. service "for three years or the war," October 
 8th, 1861, being ordered to Washington immediately there 
 after and incorporated with the Army of the Potomac as 
 part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps. It 
 followed the fortunes of that Army for three and a half years, 
 the original members being "mustered out" October 17th, 
 1864, and the remainder in July, 1865, 
 
 It participated in the following named general engage 
 ments as well as numerous others of less note: Yorktown, 
 Hanover Court House, Games Mills, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull 
 Run (1st day), Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
 Gettysburg, Mine Kun, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
 North Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Assault on Pe 
 tersburg (June 18, 1864), Siege of Petersburg, Hatchers 
 Run (2),Welden Road, Five Forks and the other final oper 
 ations of the Army in March and April, 1865, preceding the 
 surrender of the Confederate "Army of Northern Virginia." 
 While it lost 279 men in killed and by deaths from wounds 
 received in action, out of the total membership of 2078, it 
 never relinquished its colors, save to the Governor of Mass 
 achusetts, on its return to the State, where they now hang 
 in the Doric Hall of the State House, as a proud emblem and 
 sacred memory of the past. 
 
 Company F was recruited largely in the neighboring 
 town of Woburn, one of its members becoming a field officer 
 of the Eegiment, and its record was that of all the Compa 
 nies of the 22nd and excelled by none. Its total membership 
 was 139, and the losses 12 killed in action, 8 died from 
 wounds and 9 from disease 29 in all. 
 
 The 1st N. Y. (Light) Artillery Regiment was organized 
 in central New York in the Fall of 1861, and its Batteries 
 (twelve) were scattered through the various Corps of the 
 Armies of the_Potomac, Ohio and Cumberland, mainly in the 
 first named. 
 
 Battery C was organized at Elmira, N. Y., and "mus 
 tered in" Sept. 6th, 1861, and attached at various times to 
 the Artillery Reserve, also to the 9th and 5th Corps, of the 
 Army of the Potomac, and participated continuously, in all 
 the campaigns until April, 1865, being "mustered out" June 
 17, 1865. 
 
MORRISTOWN, N. J., Oct. 15, 1892. 
 COL. A. D. CUTLER, 
 
 My Dear Colonel: Your kind letter of the 30th of Sept. 
 welcomed my arrival here lately on my return from my Sum 
 mer and Fall roarnings and enjoyments North and West. 
 
 I am glad to learn of your interest in the 22nd Regiment 
 of Massachusetts Volunteers, and of your brother s connection 
 with it. It was one of the many much loved and admired 
 regiments of my old Division at Hall s Hill, Va., and of my 
 old Fifth Army Corps of Peninsula, loved like all the others, 
 for its unsurpassed good qualities, its excellent management, 
 fine drill, discipline, unflinching devotion to duty under the 
 most trying circumstances, and firmness in meeting its op 
 ponents, no matter how superior in numbers. At Hall s Hill, 
 side by side with its sisters from Massachusetts, the 9th and 
 18th Regiments and 1st Mass. Battery, and others from Maine, 
 Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, the 
 Division received for its excellent parade and drill, the com 
 mendation of the Commanding General of the Army, as a 
 model for the Army and a warning to the regulars lest they 
 be excelled. That standing it maintained throughout the 
 War and, though equalled by the high and noble qualities of 
 other organizations, it was never surpassed in its good deeds 
 and devotion and its sacrifices to the Union cause. 
 
 At the battle of Gaiues Mills in the firm and long strug. 
 gle against the determined efforts of its near three times 
 more numerous opponents, the 22nd Regiment lost its noble 
 loved Commander Col. Gove, (as did the 9th Col. Cass) but 
 though sad and great the loss, under the effect of his good 
 teachings, it never flinched in the long years following in 
 any of its trying struggles and duties and with its sister 
 regiments and batteries of Massachusetts, the history and 
 examples of its deeds and devotion to the Union s cause, will 
 ever be a pride and example for other organizations of the 
 State and the pride of the State itself. 
 
 Ever yours truly, 
 
 FITZ JOHN PORTER. 
 
THE LETTERS. 
 
WASHINGTON, D. C., Oct. 13, 1861. 
 Dear Mother: 
 
 Thinking that you would be anxious to hear from me, 
 I sit down in great confusion. We arrived here Friday 
 about 11 A. M. pretty well used up, our journey being an 
 uncommonly long and tiresome one. We left Boston about 
 4 o clock, Tuesday p. M. and arrived in New York about 10 
 A. M. Wednesday. We received great cheers all along the 
 road. We had refreshments passed through the cars at 
 Springfield. Left New York 8 p. M. on a boat for Jersey 
 City distant about 3 miles, then took the cars to the 
 Delaware Eiver across to Philadelphia. Here we were 
 treated tip top by the Quakers, left here at 10 A. M. for 
 Washington, arriving here Friday noon at 10 A. M. When 
 within 10 miles of Washington, our engineer jumped off and 
 refused to do duty any further, as the road had been taken 
 by the Secesh. 3 days before. Upon this, Col. Wilson 
 ordered us to equip ourselves immediately and be ready for 
 fight as we supposed. We found two men in our Regiment 
 who were capable of steaming us on to Washington, and on 
 we went, expecting to see fun at any minute. In coming on 
 we lost three men; two overboard and one on the cars. We 
 are now quartered on Pennsylvania Ave., one of the principal 
 streets of Washington, in sight of the Capitol and White 
 House. I went over the Capitol yesterday; it is the finest 
 building I ever witnessed. When looking at it, it seemed 
 impossible that the hands of man could accomplish so fine 
 an affair. It is now 2 o clock p. M. and we have just received 
 marching orders for Munsons Hill about 15 miles distant. 
 If this is the place, we shall be with the advance guard, as 
 the Rebels have driven our force back to there within a few 
 days. It is impossible for me to write any more, for the order 
 has come to march. C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 P. S. If you write, direct to Washington, D. C., 22nd 
 Reg. Co. F. This was written among 200 men, all talking 
 at once. We are off. Sling knapsack! A good fine Sunday ! 
 
 HALL S HILL, VA., Oct. 15, 18G1. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 We arrived in Washington, Friday about 10 A. M. and 
 were quartered on one of the principal streets right in sight 
 of the Capitol and White House. On Saturday, we marched 
 through the principal streets and by the Capitol to give old 
 Abe a chance to see us. He liked the looks of us so well 
 that he gave us more credit than was due, and has thereby 
 
 9 
 
sent us ahead of other regiments. The news came Sunday 
 that there was probably an engagement, as Gen. McClellan had 
 not returned to Washington on Saturday as usual. Capt. 
 Thompson came in about noon on Sunday and asked us boys, 
 "Are you ready for a fight?" and there was not one of us 
 that was not on his taps in less than a twinkle. He told us 
 to make ready to march at two o clock, saying that we were 
 destined for Falls Church. We started and arrived here at 
 9 P. M. This place is ten miles from Washington south-west 
 of the Potomac. The ground that we occupy was in the 
 hands of the Rebs ten days ago. Their pickets now extend 
 to Falls Church which is five miles distant. They are re 
 treating every day and will probably make a stand at 
 Manassas. It is almost impossible to tell when or where the 
 next battle will be fought as the Rebels keep retreating. We 
 could see signal lights thrown up all along their line last 
 night (Monday) in the direction of Falls Church. Five hun 
 dred men were detailed to chop the woods in this vicinity 
 yesterday. Everything was laid waste, corn-fields and hous 
 es. I helped to demolish a dwelling house this morning to 
 get boards to build a cook house of and to use in the tents 
 and I can now look at it from where I am writing. There 
 is not a door, window or board left in the place. Right op 
 posite to our camp was a large chestnut wood, now there is 
 not a tree standing. On our right there is a regiment of 
 cavalary, on our left the 7th Maine boys are stationed. We 
 cannot look in any direction without seeing an encampment. 
 There are fifty regiments camped within three miles of us, 
 which makes things appear decidedly warlike. Do not know 
 whether we will stop here one day or two months. We are 
 liable to march at any hour. Do not go on guard without 
 being fully equipped to leave at any time. We all enjoy our 
 selves first rate, seventeen in a tent. Afternoon! Have been 
 doing fatigue duty and then left with a party of six. Visited 
 Col. Cass regiment one half mile distant in sight of the 
 Rebels. They expect a brush at any minute. A battery 
 close by shelled a Rebel house, and it now lies in ashes. 
 Dress parade is coming off and I must leave. Direct to 
 Washington 22nd Mass. Vol. 
 
 P. S. I write in great confusion. Give best respects to 
 all friends. On a cartridge box. C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 10 
 
HALL S HILL, YA., Oct, 27, 1861. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 I will sit down to write for the third time and see if I 
 can get an answer from home. I wrote a fortnight ago to 
 James and have not received an answer yet. If you should 
 see the pile of letters our Orderly produces every night for 
 the boys of Co. F you would not wonder that I was anxious 
 for one. 
 
 How are you getting along at home? I have no doubt 
 you are desirous of hearing from me as often as possible, 
 as I am in the land of the Rebels. We are now in sight of 
 Falls Church which is about two miles distant. The Rebel 
 pickets came within six miles of this place, last Thursday. 
 We sent out 100 men; ten from each company. I did not 
 go myself, being on guard at home. They were gone forty- 
 eight hours, but did not bring in any prisoners. The 18th 
 Mass., stationed in our rear, took one Friday, that had been 
 taken before by the 2nd Maine. He will be taken care of 
 this time. We are in Porter s Division. 
 
 Monday, 28. 
 
 An officer of the regular Army; our Division was re 
 viewed by McClellan and staff on Saturday. It consists of 
 3 brigades, 4 batteries, and 2 companies of cavalry; in all, 
 18,000. We had a sham fight as Mr. Hartwell calls it, but 
 probably on a larger scale then he ever dreamed of. You 
 can imagine us in a field of 25 acres, infantry in 3 columns, 
 each column stretching away for half a mile, the batteries on 
 our right, the cavalry on our left. All movements were made 
 on the double quick. We were led up to the engagement some 
 times by Regiment, and sometimes by brigade, firing and 
 then retreating to load. I tell you, it was a smoky, stunning 
 old time. All the boys found fault with, it was not reality. 
 We gained the day at last with a loss of very few We are 
 under very strict discipline and are on guard or drill most of 
 the time. We shall probably advance or go into some fort, as 
 it is very cold here nights. Last night, we had a very hard 
 frost. I hardly think it much colder where you are. 
 
 How does Fred get along being Boss? Tell him to 
 write and tell me how those hogs, and things in general are. 
 How I should like to step in and be with you all for a day ! 
 I like soldiering very well, and should be well contented if 
 I thought the things were going all right at home. If you 
 or Mother want any money, you can get it of Russell on my 
 account, and I will make it all right with him. It is now 
 9 P. M., the boys are all stretched out and it is time for me 
 to do the same. We have a fire in the tent to-night, and it 
 
 11 
 
is very comfortable. If I had a pie, I should go to bed all 
 right. We have bread and coffee for a change twice a day, 
 week in and week out. But if I have Thanksgiving in 
 Charleston, S. C., I shall get something better. Don t view 
 
 this with a critic s eye. 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 P. S. Direct 22nd Regiment, M. V., Co. F care Capt. 
 Thompson. 
 
 HALL S HILL, VA., Nov. 2, 1861. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 I received yours day before yesterday and was very glad 
 to hear from you , it being the first one that I have received from 
 home. I had just returned from being a picket, and nothing 
 could be more welcome than news from home. We started 
 early last Tuesday morning, 22 men from each company, 250 
 men in all from our Regiment. This number was detailed 
 from five regiments each, so we numbered in all about 1100 
 men. We started with forty rounds of cartridges and two 
 days rations apiece. We went in the direction of Falls 
 Church, five miles distant. About half of us were posted on 
 and in the vicinity of the railroad leading to Leesburg and 
 Manassas Junction. The rest went on to the head-quarters 
 of the pickets, two miles off. This picket duty is very par 
 ticular business, especially in the night. Each one is caut 
 ioned to keep his eyes peeled, and lay low as the enemy ap 
 pear in different forms. One Williams, a Rebel who fights 
 on his own hook, appears in the shape of a calf. He has 
 been successful, and boasts how many men he has picked. 
 He shot one of the Maine boys, three nights since, and 
 wounded another in the hand. A bounty of $500 is offered 
 for him by the government. Nothing of importance occured 
 the first night. The next morning we were relieved by our 
 reserve. We then acted as reserves and had salt horse and 
 crackers given out. We did the best we could until night 
 came on, when hens, geese and pigs in the vicinity had to 
 suffer. In proof I send the enclosed. About nine in the 
 evening we were ordered after the wagons which had been 
 sent after hay and had not returned in due time. We went 
 as far as Vienna, five miles beyond our pickets. We were 
 fired into from the woods, the balls passing over our heads. 
 We returned to quarters; started for home the next morning 
 being out two and a half days, bringing in nothing except a 
 few potatoes, chickens, etc. We are at the brigade drill 
 every afternoon under Gen. Martindale. He is a very smart 
 man and is bound to make us efficient in drill if possible. We 
 
 12 
 
had something new yesterday which was, "Charge bayonets 
 at double quick." This is done with a yell and is enough to 
 scare the devil himself. It is raining very hard and has been 
 all night. One half of our tents are nothing but mud. 
 When it rains here it makes a business of it. I am sick of 
 Hall s Hill and hope we shall make an advance. We were dis 
 appointed in not going on the naval expedition. 
 
 I am glad the hogs are doing well. When the steers get 
 home, do as you think fit with them. Settle for them and the 
 cow Esterbrook took. They went up the 25th of May. Tell 
 Abbie those things in that bag are very useful. Tell Bell and 
 Fred to write. Much love and respect to all. Fall in for 
 dinner Co. F. Write soon. 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 P. S. Send me a paper, if convenient. 
 
 HALL S HILL, VA., Sunday, Dec. 22, 1861. 
 Dear Brother Fred: 
 
 I sit down to write you a few lines in answer to that let 
 ter which you wrote me. I hope that you will not feel 
 slighted that I have not written before. 
 
 What are you doing with yourself, this winter ? Going 
 to school, I suppose. I often think of you getting up in the 
 morning, going out to milk, and then coming in to a good 
 hot breakfast. How you ought to value it. No one knows 
 how to value a home until deprived of one, although I am 
 satisfied to soldier as long as war continues. We rise in the 
 morning at taps at 6:30 o clock. All turn out for roll call. 
 It would please you to see some of the boys hug their beds; 
 but most of them manage to get out without hats or shoes 
 which saves them from being checked. Then comes break 
 fast which consists of bread and coffee; then, we drill in the 
 bayonet exercises for one hour; then we have a rest until 10 
 o clock when company drill takes place till noon. In the 
 afternoon from 2 to 5, we have battalion or brigade drill; 
 then comes supper. Nothing is thought of after this time, 
 except letters and papers from home. I do not think I re 
 ceived my complement of late. I wish you would write once 
 a week how you prosper. How much milk are you making 
 this winter, and how many cows are you keeping? What are 
 you graining them on? Is George with you now? Since 
 writing my last, I have been to Alexandria; it is quite a 
 place. Went into the Marshall House and saw the place 
 where Ellsworth was killed. The stairs on which he was shot 
 
 13 
 
have been entirely cut away and carried off. I obtained a 
 piece large enough to make a cane which I shall send home, 
 if possible. Last Sunday I went over to Chain Bridge; it is 
 quite a novelty. It is a quarter of a mile long, and is with a 
 pile 60 feet above the water. The scenery at this place on 
 the Potomac is very grand. Fort Ethan Allen defends the 
 bridge on the Virginia side of the river. We have been very 
 busy for three days back fixing our tents, palisading them; 
 have a stove in ours which cost $7.00. The rest of the boys 
 look upon us with envy, and even the officers come in to see 
 us. Our division was reviewed yesterday by Gen. McClel- 
 lan and staff. There is some talk of our going to South Car 
 olina, but I hardly think so. 
 
 How does Wm. W. Hartwell survive the winter? Have 
 you had much snow yet? We have not. Tell Mother the 
 box of goodies has disappeared mysteriously. It sits close by, 
 full of plates, canteens, dippers, a few blank cartridges, etc., 
 etc. I found those letters enclosed; shall endeavor to answer 
 them Tell all the folks to write. 
 
 From your brother, 
 
 C. M. C. 
 
 HALL S HILL, Va., Jan. 1, 1862. 
 Brother Lewis: 
 
 I sit down to write you a few lines in answer to yours 
 of Dec. 8th. First, I wish you and yours a Happy New 
 Year, hoping that by the time another rolls round, it will 
 find the country in different circumstances. Nothing of 
 importance has happened of late. We went on picket last 
 Saturday and returned on Monday. It was quite cold, but 
 we managed to live through it. We took a darkey prisoner. 
 Last night we heard heavy firing off towards McCall s 
 Division, and have received news to be ready to move at a 
 minute s notice; but I guess it will amount to nothing, as 
 we very often receive like orders and have got used to them. 
 
 John Gleason has got an office which he has much 
 sought after, which is to bring the grub from the Quarter 
 master s and deliver two candles to each tent. This relieves 
 him from all guard duty. Oh! for an office! Corporal Lunt 
 still sustains his position with credit to himself and town ; 
 he hails from A. Cotton still lives; he is the best shot in 
 the company. We had a target shoot and he made the best 
 shot; and if you believe me, I did the next at 150 yds. 
 distant. We have the Enfield rifle; they kill at 1000 yds. 
 We are to receive the U. S. Springfield rifle, considered the 
 
 14 
 
best in the world, as those we have were made in too much 
 of a hurry to be good. 
 
 I don t know how long we shall stay here; we have 
 some chance of going South. There are all kinds of rumors 
 round the camp and great betting about our destination. A 
 week ago, we thought we should go to Fort Warren in 
 Boston Harbor, but that is played out. Anything but Hall s 
 Hill. I think there will be an advance on Richmond soon. 
 
 The other night, when on guard, the sentinel next beat 
 to me, shot two of his fingers off. He was going double 
 quick and fell down on his rifle, hand on the muzzle. It 
 went off, taking the fingers close to the hand. 
 
 How is business with you ? How does the Home Guard 
 prosper ? I am well, except a bad cold, which we are all 
 troubled with. From your brother, C. M. C. 
 
 P. S. Annie, I am much obliged for the goodies 
 received from you. May God bless you. Brigade drill this 
 afternoon. 
 
 HALL S HILL, Va., Jan, 18, 1862. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 I received yours and Fred s letter dated Jan 3d in due 
 time. And as I suppose you will be looking for an answer, 
 1 will write, although I have nothing very interesting to 
 communicate. We are still on Hall s Hill, up to our knees 
 in mud and water. 1 was on guard night before last and 
 on fatigue to-day, in the rain. This weather is giving us 
 all colds. There are two out of our tent in the hospital; 
 Watson of Woburn and Ed. Chandler, who is sick with 
 fever. He has been quite sick; is better now. I shall see 
 him to day; he will be out before long. I heard to-day that 
 we shall not leave this place until we left for Mass. This is 
 rather sickening for us who a week ago were expecting to 
 go South any day; but it is all Col. Wilson s doings, who 
 likes to have his pets where he can see them often, which he 
 does, accompanied by his brother Reps. I will send you a 
 picture of him. We are as comfortable as you could imagine 
 in our rag houses. I invented a bunk and all the boys have 
 followed suit. We are going on picket next Tuesday morn 
 ing. You can think of me about that time looking out for 
 Rebels. We shall be gone out two and a-half days; 500 out 
 of the Reg. Last night after 10 P.M., there was a continual 
 heavy firing off to the South of us, which was probably an 
 attack on the rebel batteries on the lower Potomac. We 
 expect to hear good news of Burnside s expedition. I should 
 like to have gone with him. 
 
 Tell Fred, I left that dog-skin at the tannery on the 
 
 15 
 
left, just before you get to the place called "The Foot of the 
 Rocks;" small building in the rear. I should like to have 
 you get it becausa I think it will make something quite nice. 
 
 Do you know that I am my own man this day? Twenty- 
 one years old! Quite an old man; am I not, with my 
 experience ? I wonder what the next twenty-one years will 
 bring me, if I live! Two years ago, I was in Ashby, Mass., 
 working for Bradley; now, here I am in Va., working for 
 Uncle Sam. 
 
 I received that Atlantic Monthly which I like very much. 
 It helped to wear away many a lazy hour. Tell Mother to 
 write me; I hardly hear a word from her. Ask her if she 
 remembers the dinners she and I used to have last winter, 
 about this time. 
 
 I will post you a Washington paper at the same time as 
 this letter. Write and tell me if you have to pay postage on 
 the letters you receive from me. When on guard, the sentry 
 of the next beat to me shot two of his fingers off. 
 
 We shall be at home by next May. From 
 
 C. M. C. 
 
 CAMP WILSON, HALL S HILL, Va., Jan. 30, 1862 
 Dear Bell : 
 
 I received your letter dated Jan. 19th about 9 A.M. Was 
 out on picket at the time. We sent in two of the men after 
 the letters, and with the rest, mine came which was quite 
 unexpected as I had just sent one home which you have 
 received before this time. You ask me in regard to my cold; 
 1 have got perfectly well of it. The weather out here is very 
 bad of late. I have not seen the sun for three weeks; it is 
 raining, hailing or snowing continually. The mud is very 
 deep, from 6 to 12 inches, which makes it almost impossible 
 to do much. The wagons are not allowed to go out without 
 six horses each, the roads are so bad. Last week Friday, 
 the orders came to march, pack up our extra baggage to 
 send to Washington. We did so, but have not started yet 
 and probably shall not until the 1st of Mar. We are not 
 going on any naval expedition. When we move, we shall 
 advance on towards Centreville and Manassas. Bull Run is 
 twenty-five miles from this place. We have 250 pieces of 
 cannon this side of the river which would be impossible to 
 move at present. I have no doubt that the people at the 
 North are impatient for a movement on the Potomac. I am 
 myself; but if they were out here, they would be satisfied 
 to the contrary. McClellan is waiting for settled weather, 
 before he makes a movement. He would lose half of hia 
 
men by sickness, if he broke camp now. One of the 2nd 
 Maine who was on guard Tuesday night, died Wednesday 
 with the cold he got. 
 
 In regard to clothing, I have a plenty. Fred said that 
 Mother had a pair of mittens for me. I am just as much 
 obliged as if I had none; but the Lieut. -Colonel was home 
 at Boston and brought out mittens from the ladies for the 
 whole of us. I want nothing so much as a pair of boots; 
 but winter will soon be over with us. 
 
 Much love to all, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 P. S. I saw Stevens, my old Woburn friend, when in 
 N. Y. He treated me to pears to remind me of old times, 
 a good dinner, filled ruy canteen, offered me money, etc. 
 I forgot to tell you before, he asked for my sister and Miss 
 Hartwell. He was in S. C. at the time of the Rebellion. 
 Was offered a commission in the Rebel Army, but left for 
 the North with his head. 
 
 CAMP WILSON, HALL S HILL, Va., Feb. 7, 1862. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 I received your letter Wednesday night and was very 
 glad to hear from you. I have not got that letter you sent 
 by Dr. Drew; probably he lost it and thought he would 
 keep mum. We had a target practice this afternoon, six 
 rounds apiece at 150 yds. I did not hit but once but it was 
 as good as the average. The wind blowing very hard, you 
 could not hold a gun steadily. Every fair day, our Brigade 
 General puts us through to kill. Last Wednesday, our 
 Brigade was on drill from 8 A.M. till 2 P.M. We had a sham 
 fight; Follett s Battery and a Co. of Cavalry were present. 
 Our Regiment was sent out as skirmishers. This is done to 
 wake up the enemy and find their position. We deployed 
 from the centre, the men being five paces apart; the Regi 
 ment reached a mile or more. After advancing about half 
 a mile before we sighted the supposed enemy, we commenced 
 firing. We retreated, then rallied on the reserve, then all 
 fell back on the main body. 
 
 Sunday Eve., Feb. 9, 62. I left off writing to go on 
 drill and have not had time since. Was on guard last night; 
 got through with it first rate although rather cold. Have to 
 go on once a week on account of half of our men reported 
 unfit for duty. You speak of coming out here. I should 
 like to have you tip top; but soldiering is not all fun. If 
 you get out of biz., you had better take a trial of it. Variety 
 
 17 
 
is the spice of life. The way things look now, I think the 
 war will be settled soon; and if it is, I shall probably be out 
 of it by the middle of summer. 
 
 I hope you do not think I am going to live in a rag 
 house and lay on a rail for three years, not a bit of it. 
 Uncle Sam can not stand it and will make mince meat of 
 them before that time. 
 
 Russell has discharged me, and I am now my own man, 
 or Uncle Sam s, I might say, if he wants me. Take a note 
 from Mother for my share in the property. She might like 
 to have me take it in wood which would release her from all 
 interest and notes. You might take yours the same, if you 
 choose; if not, I am satisfied to do otherwise. You speak 
 of buying a milk route. I would if I were you; nothing 
 like being boss of your own biz. I will help you what little 
 I can when you are in want of the rocks. I should like to 
 go in with you, if I were home. 
 
 Your truly, C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 CAMP WILSON, HALL S HILL, Va., Mar. 9, 18fi2. 
 My dear Bell: 
 
 It is Sunday afternoon after supper with us. It has 
 been a very pleasant day, the most so, we have had since 
 spring commenced. In the middle of the day, we can sit 
 comfortably with both ends of the tent open. It is not so 
 in Mass., as I hear by Messrs. Winn and Converse with 
 whom I spoke yesterday. They are out here on a visit from 
 Woburn. I heard directly from Abbie whom Mr. Converse 
 saw a short time since. He speaks of the large quantity of 
 snow you have. What a contrast! There is not a mite to 
 be seen; the ground is thawed, the roads are getting settled 
 fast, and the sacred soil of Virginia wears quite a different 
 aspect from what it did a month since. I was on guard last 
 night; the moon shone and it was warm as May. 
 
 Another man died to-day in the hospital belonging to 
 our company. He has not been well since he has been here. 
 We are going on picket tomorrow, which I hope will be the 
 last before we leave Hall s Hill. You folks at home are 
 probably tired of hearing of the forward movement of the 
 Army of the Potomac. Not more so than the boys of the 
 Bloody 22nd which name they have christened it, for fear 
 they will never have a chance to win it. Gen. Banks has 
 taken Leesburg which is fifteen miles distant from us. 
 
 Fifteen minutes later! I had to stop writing to receive 
 two days rations of coffee and sugar, which is six table- 
 spoonfuls of each. Ask Mother if she don t think we are 
 
 18 
 
bountifully supplied. Nothing of importance has transpired 
 since I last wrote you. There were 1100 pairs of stockings 
 sent to the Reg. from Mass. Each man had a pair. 
 Yours with much love, from your brother, 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 P. S. "Don t view this with a school-marm s eye, but 
 pass the blots, etc., by." Hoping this will find you all in 
 good health, as it leaves me. Tell Fred to write. 
 
 ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Mar. 20, 1862. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 I received yours and Fred s letters last Thursday night; 
 they were very welcome, as I had not received one for some 
 time. We were then at Fairfax Court House. Last Friday 
 night, our Brigade received marching orders for this place 
 which is 18 miles distant. We started early Saturday morn 
 ing in the rain (as it usually does) and arrived at Camp 
 California, wet to the ski a. This place is two miles out of 
 the city. Yesterday we were selected as the Rgiment to 
 do provost guard for the city. It is quite an honorable 
 position and all the better for us, as we have good quarters 
 in the basement of a church. There are two companies in 
 the body of the church and the same in the gallery. We 
 shall probably stop here until the expedition which is now 
 fitting up, gets off. There is some talk of our going to 
 Washington on the same duty, after that; but hope not, as 
 I should rather go South with our Division, which is in 
 Heintzleman s Corps. The river is full of steamers and 
 transports loading with coal and provisions with all dis 
 patch. 
 
 You ask me how spring opens here. It is getting to be 
 quite warm. I should judge that it was six weeks earlier 
 than Mass. The buds on the trees are swelling and the 
 leaves will shortly be out. We have not had our tents since 
 we left Hall s Hill, Mar. 10. Since that time each man has 
 had to cook his own grub, which has been quite a task for 
 us as dishes are very scarce. Every place we go we are 
 minus something. I have nothing but a quart dipper, for 
 which I am very thankful, for quite a number of the boys 
 have lost their knapsacks. One fellow from Reading has 
 lost everything, gun and all. Ed. Chandler is getting to be 
 dissipated in eating; does nothing but fry pork and hard 
 bread until it has settled in his legs and he has to wear a 
 shoe on one foot and boot on the other. 
 
 Via! I received that bos containing the nice pair of 
 
 19 
 
boots and a good pair of stockings, night before last. They 
 were very acceptable indeed. Lieut. Crane carried the box 
 round some time trying to find me, and he has been worried 
 about it as it was particularly in his charge. 
 Youra truly, with much love-to all, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 Bio BETHEL, Va., Mar. 26, 1862. 
 Dear Mother: 
 
 As I have some spare time, I think I will pencil you a 
 few lines to let you know where we are. Since I last wrote, 
 we have made quite a move. We were then at Alexandria. 
 Our Division embarked last Friday afternoon and started 
 down the river next morning, arriving nt Fortress Monroe 
 late Sunday night. We had a first rate trip having good 
 weather all the way down. Our Regiment had the " Daniel 
 Webster," a large ocean steamship of 1300 tons. Among 
 the others were the " Milley Baker " and " Nantasket " from 
 Boston, which reminded me of old times. Fortress Monroe 
 is the finest piece of work of the kind I ever saw. There 
 are seventy-five acres enclosed within the walls, laid out 
 with walks, shade and fruit trees all over it. The walls are 
 built for two tiers of guns. There is a ditch of about 25 
 feet entirely round it whose bank is nicely grassed over. I 
 saw the big Union gun which weighs 40,099 Ibs. and carries 
 a solid shot of 600 Ibs. They are just mounting her so as 
 to command the entrance of James River. By the way, I 
 suppose you have heard of the engagement between the 
 Merrimac and Monitor. That little craft, if so I may call 
 her, is a big thing on a small scale. She is built so as to be 
 very little exposed, is but between two and three feet above 
 water, except her wheel-house and cheese box, all of which 
 are built of plate iron. She draws eleven and a half feet of 
 water, is perfectly tight on deck, and therefore, can never 
 sink. I saw the shot they use aboard of her. They are 
 wrought iron between 200 and 300 Ibs. weight. The 
 Government have two more, building, like her which will 
 be accomplished shortly. If the Merrimac comes down the 
 river, she will probably meet with a warm reception. I hope 
 you will not get tired reading this. 
 
 We left Fort Monroe Monday noon and marched to 
 Hampton, five miles distant. This place was burned by the 
 Rebels last Aug., when they left it. The 16th Mass, is 
 encamped here, the one that Charley Cutler is in. I did 
 not have time to see him, but heard from him by way of one 
 of his company. We left there yesterday morning and 
 
 20 
 
arrived here in the afternoon. We are probably on our road 
 to Richmond. Capt. Sampson s Company was fired into 
 this morning on picket, about 40 rods from camp. Our 
 sharpshooters are out looking after Rebels. I write this 
 lying between two sacks of wheat which I am guarding. We 
 came past a peach orchard yesterday, which was just bloom 
 ing out. From your son, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 NEAR YORKTOWN, Va., Apr. 21, 1862 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 As I have not heard a word from you for over two 
 months, you will not wonder at my writing again. I have 
 written to you twice and have not had an answer to either. 
 You have doubtless heard of our departure from Hall s Hill 
 through the columns of the Woburn Budget. We have 
 been at this place a fortnight last Saturday. For the last 
 ten days, I have been on fatigue duty, building bridges and 
 fortifications. Our Division have built six bridges across a 
 stream running into the York River regiments relieving 
 each other both day and night. Yesterday, Sunday, we 
 turned out at 4 o clock in the morning, and were detailed to 
 work on a breastwork which will mount twelve heavy guns 
 directly in sight of the Rebels, but screened from them by a 
 lot of brush thrown up for the purpose. While we were 
 digging, one of the boys found a 10 Ib. shot which was fired 
 in an engagement between the English and Americans 
 eighty-one years ago. Day before yesterday, I went over to 
 the 2d N. H., Hooker s Division, about half a mile distant. 
 Saw Fred Cutler; he did not know me, but I knew him the 
 minute I got my eyes on him, He has not changed a mite; 
 is the same old sixpence. He had a great many questions 
 to ask in regard to the girls of the Cutler family; who was 
 married and who wasn t, etc., etc., edifying me an hour or 
 so with his usual amount of fox stories. 
 
 Tell Abbie those stockings that accompanied the box 
 were just what I wanted and came in the right time. 
 
 What are you doing at home ? I expect to hear some 
 thing of you soon; gone to the war, bought a milk route or 
 got married. The ball will open here in five or six days. 
 I have not time to write more. The fruit trees are all in the 
 height of bloom. From your brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 21 
 
GAINKS MILLS, Va., May 27, 1802. 
 Mrs. Cutler: 
 
 Yours of the 20th reached me day before yesterday at 
 our camp near Barker s Mill. The letter you sent to Morton 
 is also in my charge. I shall keep it until I find out where 
 he is now. I have made several efforts to find out whether 
 he is still at West Point, Va., or has been sent to some 
 northern hospital on board of a U. S. Transport, but as yet 
 have been unable to learn anything definite or satisfactory. 
 Our Asst. Surgeon, Dr. Prince, the ablest man in our 
 medical department, was left in charge of our sick boys at 
 West Point, where we left Morton; and if he be still there, 
 he has good care taken of him. Our surgeon has left us on 
 account of sickness, so that it is difficult now to ascertain 
 anything about matters in his department. On our regi 
 mental books, our sick, left behind, are reported from day 
 to day: "Absent, sick." That gives me no information, so I 
 have just written a letter to the commander of the Post at 
 West Point to ascertain, if possible, his whereabouts and 
 situation. Perhaps he may have reached home by this time 
 (I hope he has); but I shall not abate rny efforts until I learn 
 how and where he is. Our many and rapid marches since 
 we separated, have made it impossible to keep up commun 
 ication. It is more difficult to hear from West Point, 
 although only 35 miles distant, than it is from Massa 
 chusetts, as there are no mail accommodations between here 
 and the former place. I shall send by private conveyance 
 and all that can be done for his comfort by me shall be 
 cheerfully done for the love I bear him. He was in good 
 spirits when I saw him, and expressed the hope of joining 
 us soon, as he then felt that he should be nicely in a few 
 days. He promised me that he would write you soon and 
 often. I presume he has. We all felt bad about his being 
 obliged to remain behind, and hope to see him in our ranks 
 again as cheerful and lively as ever. If you think of any 
 thing that I can do, please command me, for I am at your 
 service. 
 
 The Rebels are drawn up in line of battle within sight 
 of our camp. We are now nine miles from Richmond, by 
 the road, and hope to be in the Rebel capital soon. Hoping 
 that a speedy victory and an honorable peace will soon 
 enable us all to return to our friends, I remain, respectfully 
 yours, etc., 
 
 J. FRANK GLEASON, 
 
 Co. F 22d Mass. Regt. Vol. 
 
 22 
 
[Dictated to nurse.] 
 
 Fairfax St.. Hospital, Alexandria, Va., 5-29-1862. 
 Dear Isabella : 
 
 Thinking that you would be somewhat anxious to know 
 where I am and my situation at present, I thought it best to 
 inform you. I was brought to the hospital at this place on 
 the 14th, sick with fever. I came by boat from West Point. 
 I was in the hospital there or in that vicinity at that time 
 and was too sick to be a participant. I was four days in 
 coming here, and during that time received no attention 
 scarcely; but I found quite a comfortable place here, a good 
 physician, kind female nurse, and male attendants equally 
 good and kind, and through their attendance and treatment 
 medically, I received, I find myself now recovering, and 
 hope ere long to be fit again for the duties of the field. I 
 have strength sufficient to walk across the room, but am in 
 bed yet a good part of the time. Time drags away slowly 
 here, but I am glad I am so comfortably situated. Tell 
 Mother she need not be worried about my sickness, as 1 am 
 not dangerous and am well taken care of, and will soon be 
 well. I wish James would write to me. I have not received 
 a letter from him for two months, and now when I am sick, 
 I think he should write. I have money enough to procure 
 me any little necessaries that I need. I hope that this will 
 find you all in good health and giving yourself no uneasi 
 ness in regard to me. All I ask of you is to write as soon 
 as possible. My love to all. 
 
 Direct to your loving brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 ALEXANDRIA, Va. , June 19, 1862. 
 Dear Brother James: 
 
 I received your letter dated the 16th yesterday, and one 
 from Bell by the same mail besides a word from S. A. 
 Gardner. The boys envied me as I was the only one that 
 received any in our ward, as letters are a great rarity out here 
 these long days. There are 130 patients in the hospital. 
 The Mansion House has 1410 in it. Some Secesh put a 
 barrel of powder under this building and would probably 
 have blown it up had not the patrol discovered it. They 
 are getting very bold of late, having shot two Union soldiers 
 yesterday. They were taken up and put in the slave pen, 
 where they will probably have time to meditate. You speak 
 of my coming home. It is impossible to get a furlough. I 
 see it tried every day. And more so in this Hospital than 
 
 23 
 
in some others, unless you have some disease and are dis 
 abled, there is no getting home. I wish I was able to go to 
 my Regiment, as it is like being in prison here. We can 
 not get out without a pass from the Dr. He would not give 
 me one, but I made out to get out yesterday. I am getting 
 better every day, and hope to be with the boys within 
 another month. Give my love to Joseph and Abbie and the 
 children. From your ever loving brother, 
 
 C. M. C. 
 
 P. S. -I see you have not changed your business yet. 
 Very well! A rolling stone gathers no moss; a sitting hen 
 lays no eggs. Wait until this miserable war is over. 
 
 ALEXANDRA, Va., June 20, 1862. 
 My dear Mother: 
 
 I received Bell s kind letter dated the 15th inst. I was 
 very glad to get it as it brought such good news and remem 
 brances of home. How I should like to be there again ! 
 But it is useless in trying to get a furlough. One of the 
 boys that came here the same time I did and has had a fever, 
 asked the Doctor yesterday for one. He said there was no 
 such thing in the book. In fact, it is no use asking for one, 
 as we always get the same answer. Tell Bell she ought not 
 to speak of beefsteak, pies, etc., to a soldier, as those are 
 things we know nothing of. I showed the letter to some of 
 the boys; they advised me to show it to the Dr. To tell the 
 truth, Bell can t be beaten in writing letters. I am getting 
 along as fast as could be expected; am very hearty, eating 
 my rations, with a pint of milk and crackers, or something 
 of the kind, at the table of a nice old lady, the other side 
 of the street at my own expense. You see I am bound to 
 live, if I am among the Secesh. We are not allowed to go 
 out without a pass from the Dr., only across the street after 
 milk. This makes it bad for us, but we manage to get what 
 we want by dropping a little fellow (a Captain s servant) out 
 of a back window some six feet to the ground, for which 
 consideration he gets numerous cakes. I have been here 
 now over a month, and am tired and sick of the place. 1 
 hope by another 1 will be all right; but have got to eat some 
 in the time to do it. I should like to come home very much, 
 as I find the longer I live and the more I see, there is no 
 such place elsewhere; and if we ever get through this miser 
 able Rebellion, I intend to have one. But I never want to 
 leave where 1 am until it is over, if I can have my health; 
 not because I like it, but because I think it the duty of every 
 one now engaged to take hold and end it as quickly as poss- 
 
 24 
 
ible. I think by cold weather things will be straightened, 
 so some of the regiments will be discharged. 
 
 I think by what Fred wrote me of his farming, that he 
 is doing first rate; better than could be expected of him; 
 but then, the Cutler boys can do anything they take hold of. 
 
 How does Mr. Hartwell bear the cares of life ? I hear 
 very little from him. I suppose he is hoeing his corn and 
 potatoes as usual. I wish I was doing the same thing. The 
 season down here is very backward, although the market is 
 well supplied with strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, etc. 
 The peaches are as large as pullets eggs. 
 
 The Hospital is close by the Potomac. We can look 
 over into Maryland and see the green wheat fields, which 
 make one think of something besides war. Take good care 
 of yourself, and do not use your lame arm, and do not worry 
 yourself about things. I shall except a word from you soon. 
 I have been all day writing this, as I had to give up the pen. 
 
 By the way, my knapsack turned up to-day. One of the 
 boys found it. It looked like an old friend. 
 From your son, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 HARRISON S LANDING, Va., Aug. 14, 1862. 
 Dear Mother: 
 
 I hope you will forgive me for not writing before, but 
 it is so warm that one has enough to do to keep cool without 
 speaking of anything else. I returned from the Hospital a 
 fortnight ago and am now in good health, feeling first rate 
 and hope this will find you the same. We are encamped 
 close to the river, where we can enjoy a good wash with 
 pleasure. And men are pretty well played out with the heat 
 and fatigue they have been through. The Regiment now 
 numbers 218 men, instead of 1250 which came out. Lieut. 
 Crane and five men that were taken prisoners to Richmond, 
 returned this week. They looked hard, having suffered 
 everything but death, the Rebs. having starved them. There 
 is a great secret movement at hand of which nobody, except 
 the head officers, have any idea and when. Knapsacks were 
 sent down river three days ago. We are now in light march 
 ing order, expecting to move any time the opportunity comes. 
 The Rebs. are too strong for us at this position, and " Mack" 
 is withdrawing his forces as best he can, keeping up appear 
 ances at the same time. How does J. Gleason carry sail ? 
 The men of the Co. are all down on him, because of the way 
 he got home. It takes a sharp man to get out of a scrape; 
 one that has been to college. 
 
 25 
 
How does Fred get along with the haying ? I suppose 
 he is nearly done by this time. I often think of him sweat 
 ing away in the meadows. How does neighbor Hartwell 
 prosper ? Does he get any of his hay wet ? Give my best 
 respects to him. I hope you do not lose any sleep on my 
 account. I did, my bed having broken down three times last 
 night. How does your arm get along ? Be careful and take 
 care of yourself. From your ever loving son, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 Bad news. Chandler ate his last box of sardines yester 
 day, having had his pocket picked of all he had, $18.50. 
 
 SHARPSBURQ, Md., Sept. 29, 1862. 
 My dear Bell: 
 
 I received your letter of the llth inst. last night, and 
 as you find paper, I can not do less than to answer it. The 
 last time I wrote home, we were at Hall s Hill expecting to 
 stay there in defense of Washington. But there is no rest 
 for us. We marched some 125 miles since then. Our Bri 
 gade arrived here on Tuesday, the day before the Wednes 
 day fight (Antietam). I fell out on account of sore feet the 
 day before, but fell in with the 5th Maine Regiment, Frank 
 lin s Corps, as I could not find any of Porter s, and was with 
 them all day. The fighting was tremendous from sunrise to 
 sunset. During the afternoon, we drove them about a mile 
 which gave us a good chance to see what our batteries had 
 done for them. The ground was completely I covered with 
 their dead and wounded. It was an awful sight, but such 
 is war. The battle-ground was north-west of the Cumber 
 land Mts., as handsome a country as ever you saw, as is all 
 Maryland we have passed through, entirely different, as the 
 Va. people and everything else. I joined my Regiment the 
 next day, finding they had not been in the fight, they acting 
 as a reserve. The Saturday following, our Brigade forded 
 the river near Shepardstown. We had barely got across 
 and thrown out the 118th Pa. Regiment as skirmishers, 
 when the Rebs. came down on us in force. We came back 
 in a hurry, each one looking out for himself. We got across 
 losing but two men. The other Regiment and the Brigade 
 suffered a great deal more. The 118th Pa. lost 150 men, as 
 they were the last to cross. Since then, we have been doing 
 picket duty on the Maryland side of the river near Shepards 
 town and can see the Rebel flag flying there. Ed. Chandler 
 went over to see his big brother Sam who brought me word 
 from you. 
 
 2G 
 
Via! John and Adam Peters were both wounded in the 
 late battle. E. Fisk s brother was killed. Cousin Fred 
 Cutler was wounded in the head and foot at the battle of 
 Bull Run (second) bringing off a prisoner when he came off 
 the field. Chandler wishes me to say that he is all right, 
 ready to make another raid into Virginia, as is your humble 
 servant and affectionate brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 P. S. In regard to the box, do not send till we go into 
 winter quarters, as we lose everything on our marches. 
 
 FALMOUTH, Nov. 25, 1862. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 I received yours yesterday, Sunday, and was very glad 
 to hear from you. I suppose the folks at home, especially 
 Abbie and Nell, think I have forgotten them because I do 
 not write. We have been continually on the move since 
 leaving Maryland. We are now under General Joe Hooker, 
 the old fighting cock, and expect to see some fun before 
 long. The Rebs. occupy Fredericksburg about one and one 
 half miles from here, and as soon as the bridges running to 
 Acquia Creek are reported open, we shall move in that 
 direction. It is getting to be very cold down here, I wish 
 you would send me a pair of woollen gloves by mail. We 
 had a snow storm on the 7th of the month, water freezing 
 in our canteens every night. Pretty cold weather for the 
 new recruits, $150 men, $50 men, $25 men. I congratulate 
 you and all the rest of the folks on a good turkey dinner. 
 I will be with you in thought, if not in person. How is 
 mother, at home ? Write and tell me all the news, your 
 future prospects, etc., etc. I am in good health and hope 
 this will find you the same. Give my love to Abbie and 
 Joseph. From your ever loving brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 NOTE A very interesting letter, descriptive of the Battle of 
 Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 14 and 15, 1862, cannot be found. 
 A. D. 0. 
 
 NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Jan. 27, 1863. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 I received your letter to-night, and as I am not much 
 inclined to sleep, I will favor you with a fewjines. . A week 
 
 27 
 
ago to-day, Tuesday, we started to cross the river, but got 
 stuck in the mud. Gen. Siegel was to take the advance, 
 but, as the rainy weather commenced, it proved a failure; 
 nothing of importance helped. We were out four days 
 getting wet to the skin. The first night did not sleep a 
 wink, often getting back the artillery and baggage wagons 
 by corduroying the roads. We returned to camp where I 
 hope they will be willing to let us rest. 
 
 Jan. 31, 1863. Since commencing this, our Brigade has 
 been on picket; was out four days, seven miles towards 
 Warreuton. It rained when we started out which turned 
 into snow, which fell for about a foot, the most I have seen 
 in Virginia. It was beautiful coining in, the mud, water 
 and snow up to our knees. A great many of the men are 
 sick. The recruits are getting their discharges very fast. 
 One Hamilton of our Company, who says he is acquainted 
 with you and has taken milk of you in Charlestown, is very 
 low and will probably get his discharge. Cy. Converse of 
 Woburn got his to day. The 22d number 204 guns. The 
 Army generally is discouraged and demoralized, having not 
 received any pay for the last six months. But we shall soon 
 get some, as Maj. Holmes has arrived and with him, no 
 doubt, a plentiful supply of greenbacks. Mr. Hackett came 
 to light three days ago, bringing my package in good order- 
 Tell Mother the stockings remind me of home, and I am 
 very much obliged for them. We are very well supplied with 
 stockings, as the Company received a hundred pairs from the 
 ladies of Woburn, which gave each man three pairs. I am 
 not in need of anything. I wish you would send me Bos 
 ton papers, as reading matter is very scarce out here. G. 
 Harrington is driving an ambulance. Ed. Chandler is re 
 galing himself at the convalescent camp, Alexandria. 
 
 NEAR FREDERIOKSBURQ, Va., Feb. 7, 18G3. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 We were paid a few days ago. I send you by express 
 $(50.00 with which you do as you think proper. I am in 
 good health, with the exception of a cold; but am heartily 
 sick of the war, as are all the boys, and shall get out of the 
 service at the first opportunity. Everything seems to go 
 against us of late. Joe Hooker has command of the Army 
 now, and the next movement, you may expect to hear of a 
 failure, as none of us have any confidence in his general 
 ship. 
 
 are Nell and Frankie ? I should write, but am 
 
 28 
 
such a poor hand at it, and do not feel in the mood 
 very often. 
 
 I lost all papers and accounts you sent me. They were 
 taken out of my knapsack. From your brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 POTOMAC CREEK, Va., Feb. 20, 63. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 I received a letter from you last night which 1 was very 
 glad to get, as the times are very dull out here and 
 anything from home is welcome. You speak of the want of 
 bomething more interesting to write. Do not let that trouble 
 you, for it does not me in the least. I was greatly surprised 
 the other day by Mr. Twombley and his father-in-law mak 
 ing their appearance. They came quite a distance to see me, 
 and were much fatigued, having had a good introduction to 
 Virginia mud. Mr. T. was very anxious to see Fredericks- 
 burg, the battle field, etc., etc. Though raining hard, we 
 started on a reconnoissance for the above-named places, of 
 which we soon came in sight, with a few butter-nuts mixed 
 in, of which he was quite shy. He was much pleased with 
 what he had seen, and said that it paid him for his journey 
 from Massachusetts. We got back at 9 P.M. They stopped 
 over night in as good a bunk as the Army of the Potomac 
 can boast of and left in the morning for Fort Monroe. I 
 should have thought that Joseph or James would have come 
 with them. Tell them it is not too late. 
 
 Part of the Army has left here for farther south; pro 
 bably Newbern. Our destination is here until after the 
 contemplated fall of Vicksburg and Charleston. I think 
 (this is my own proposition) Richmond is to be left until the 
 last, when its fall will be terrible before the efficient Army 
 of the Potomac. Mr. Hackett arrived about a fortnight ago 
 bringing me the bundle which you sent. The shirts, hand 
 kerchiefs and stockings were just what I needed, and for 
 each I am very much obliged. The stockings reminded me 
 of those worn in former days. We lately received three pair 
 per man from the ladies of Woburn. Long may they live! 
 
 Via! I hear Elise is married. Long may she live! We 
 are getting soft bread four times a week per order Gen. Joe 
 Hooker. Ed. Chandler is still in the hospital at Alexandria. 
 J. F. Gleason is at work at the Quartermaster s. Since the 
 battle of F., he has been reduced to $13.00 and one month s 
 pay stopped; but he is a good fellow. 
 
 Tear this up. I am in good health. Give my love to 
 Mother. 
 
 29 
 
POTOMAC CREEK, Va., Mar. 9, 18G3. 
 Dear Abbie: 
 
 You must excuse me for not writing before. We have 
 been continually on the move since Joseph left me. The 
 Rebs. have been on hand driving our outer pickets in every 
 night or two, which, with a review by Gen. Hooker, has 
 taken up most of the time. I was very sorry you did not 
 make your appearance the next Sunday. I was looking for 
 you all day, and did not give you up until Monday night, at 
 which time I suppose you were on the way to Ft. Monroe. 
 I was disappointed as well as the rest of the boys; for the 
 pleasant countenance of a woman in camp would have been 
 hailed with great pleasure. I had chartered a wall tent for 
 your reception, which I am sorry you were not present to 
 occupy. 
 
 Via! How did you like the looks of what you saw of 
 old Virginia? Not very well, I gueas. If you had seen as 
 much of it as I have, you would not think it worth while to 
 describe. I received the letters you wrote me in Washing 
 ton and went over to Hooker s headquarters where I 
 obtained the box without any trouble, and am much 
 obliged to you and Joseph for the contents which were 
 tried by all my tent s crew with Day and Sergeant Meriam 
 who rung in. John Gleason said if I did not give him some 
 of that butter he d tell Abbie: but I didn t see the point. 
 
 Everything remains the same as it has for a long time. 
 We received new dress coats in which the Regiment made 
 quite an appearance at the late review, and are to get knap 
 sacks soon. Furloughs are stopped. The women are all 
 ordered from the Army by the first of April which looks like 
 stirring times ahead. Let it come! The men are in good 
 spirits. Joe Hooker has fed us well and gained the good 
 will of all. I still remain in a house with sheeting fora roof 
 and the ground for a floor. 
 
 I remain, your loving brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 Sunday afternoon. Col. Tilton, 22d Mass. Regiment; 
 Gnn. Barnes, 1st Brigade; Gen. Griffin, 1st Division; Gen. 
 Meade, 5th Army Corps. 
 
 NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, Va., May 10, 1808. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 As I know you will b Q anxious to hear from me at the 
 present time, I will write a few lines. The Army fell back 
 across the Rappalmnnock on the night of the 8th inst. 
 
 80 
 
in a drizzling rain with mad about six inches deep; for 
 what reason regains to be found out. It is said that the 
 cause of the failure is laid to the llth Army Corps, com 
 posed entirely of Germans, who broke and confused the 
 whole thing. Never was there an army started in ^better 
 spirits than ours did the 29th of April. Underwent every 
 fatigue without a murmur, confident of success. The first day 
 we marched some twenty-seven miles to Kelly s Ford, where 
 we stopped for the night; crossed on pontoons the next 
 morning. About night, we forded the Rapidan, which was 
 nearly up to our armpits. It was a laughable sight to see 
 us crossing- divested of all our clothes except our shirts. 
 Slung about our necks, were eight days rations; but it was 
 more prose than poetry, I assure you, as the current was 
 very swift. The 5th Corps arrived there just in time to 
 avoid a battle, as the Johnnies were making for it on the 
 other side. We lay down much elated at our success that 
 night. We came up with them the next morning and drove 
 them from their rifle pits which they were building all night. 
 That day was spent in reconnoitering and forming lines of 
 battle. The next day the llth Corps broke when the Rebs. 
 charged, which brought the 5th to the front, which we held 
 for five successive days and nights. The Rebs. charged on 
 us repeatedly day and night, but our grape and canister 
 were too hot for them. Never were there men acted more 
 recklessly than they, marching out in solid columns over 
 and over again when we mowed them down like grass. On 
 Sunday, after coming out several times, they set the woods 
 on fire, the wind being the right way to drive the smoke in 
 our faces, and advanced under cover of that, but were re 
 pulsed with great loss. Just at this time. Gen. Hooker was 
 unhorsed by a piece of spent shell; Gens. Berry and 
 Whipple were also killed. Our loss is small, on account of 
 being behind the breastworks. I will send you a piece of 
 conical shell from the Rebs. which came within close prox 
 imity of your humble servant. With love, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 Give my love to Mother. Tear this up; for I shall not 
 write, if my letters are heralded all over the State. 
 
 BEVERLY FORD, Va., Aug. 10, 1803. 
 My dear Mother: 
 
 I have not heard from home for some time, although I 
 have written several letters. I shall soon begin to talk the 
 way Bell talks to me. It s a poor rule that will not work 
 
 31 
 
both ways. We are now taking a little rest, if there is such 
 a thing as rest. This warm weather it is almost impossible 
 to stop out in the sun. Quite a number of men have been 
 sunstruck walking their beat. This place is about 15 miles 
 south of Warrentown. We are close by the river where the 
 pontoons are laid. I do not know whether it is the inten 
 tion to move us across or not, but do not think it likely, as 
 report says that Lee intends to make another raid on Wash 
 ington. I hope this is so; if he does, it will be the last of 
 his Army. His combined forces will be too much for us; 
 but as he can not enter the place without losing half his 
 strength, and can not stay there if he takes it, it will be like 
 going to Pa. Everything looks favorable to us down here, 
 and if we can only take Charleston, it will be the biggest 
 thing yet. Richmond, we are leaving for the last, when all 
 the boys are going to take a hand, the conscripts included, 
 and make short work of it. 
 
 Where is James ? I have not heard a word from him 
 for the last three months. I received a letter from Russell 
 with news altogether better than I expected concerning my 
 pecuniary affairs, etc. 
 
 How does the haying prosper ? How I should like to 
 take a week or so in the hay -field! But I think Fred would 
 be more than a match for me, as I am such a veteran I have 
 forgotten everything about farming I ever knew; and 
 "action to front, limber to rear," has become second nature 
 to me. I like the Artillery much better than the Infantry. 
 There are but twenty-five of the original men in this Battery; 
 the rest are made up from the Infantry. There are four of 
 the 22d here, and some from the 12th and 13th Mass.; 
 Maine, N. H., Vt. and Pa. regiments are represented here, 
 also. The captain was a minister, but has descended a 
 grade or two like all army officers. I am pretty well, but 
 feel a little touch of the fever I had last summer. 
 
 I want you to have your picture taken for me. Tell 
 James to write. From your son, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 BEVERLY FORD, Va., Aug. 22, 18fi3. 
 Pear Brother: 
 
 I send you by express to-day $40.00. I received your 
 letter in due time. The statement was altogether better 
 than I expected. We are lying close by the river in the face 
 
 32 
 
of the Rebs. We expect them to open on us at any moment, 
 but we are well prepared. I like the artillery much better 
 than the infantry. I am well. Give my love to Nell. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 BEVERLY FORD, Va., Sept. 13, 1863. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 I received Bell s letter yesterday. I have not had one 
 before for nearly a month. The one with the stamps, I did 
 not get. We received marching orders this morning, but 
 Corps has already crossed the river, and by the sound of 
 the artillery, have come upon the Rebs in the direction of 
 Culpepper. This may not be more than a reconnoissance 
 to find out where they are, as everything has been very 
 quiet of late on both sides; but I think it is preparatory to 
 a general move. We received news last night that Charles 
 ton, S. C., was taken. I hope so, but hardly think it 
 possible so soon. We lie in the same position we have for 
 a month back, watching the Reb s signal fires every night. 
 It rained yesterday for the first time for a month. I was 
 over to see the 22d which lie up the river two miles. Geo. 
 Harrington is back having gone to the hospital before the 
 battle in Pa. He had the misfortuneTto have a wagon run 
 over his foot in Maryland. My old tent mate, Ed. Chandler, 
 is in the Invalid Corps at Washington. He sends me a 
 paper every now and then. He has not been with us since 
 last fall at Sharpsburg. You will soon hear from J. 
 Gleason. 
 
 The 29th of Aug., I was present at the execution of five 
 privates of the 118th Pa. Vol. It was a very solemn affair; 
 the whole Corps were present to witness it. They were 
 marched from the guard house each man behind his own 
 coffin, the whole length of the Corps, the band playing a 
 funeral note, and then to their graves which already were 
 dug. They all fell dead at the word fire and were soon 
 under the sod, a warning to all deserters. 
 
 My Regiment s time is up the 1st of Oct., 1864. The 
 Battery s time is up the middle of Sept., 1864. We are 
 attached to the Pa. Reserves, better known as the Bucktail 
 Rifles 3rd Division 5 A. C. 
 
 Address hereafter Battery C 1st N. Y., Artillery Brigade 
 5 A. C., Washington, D. C., and I shall get all. 
 From your brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 33 
 
BEALETON STATION, Va., Nov. or Dec., 1863. 
 Dear Brother: 
 
 I received Bell s letter last night, the first one for some 
 time; also, one from Russell. James seems to have so much 
 to attend to that he can not do much else. We are 
 making ourselves quite comfortable in our winter quarters, 
 with plenty to eat and just enough to do to make us feel 
 well, each man having two horses to water, feed and 
 exercise. Enlisting over again is all the go here. Over 
 thirty of the men belonging to the Battery have signed their 
 names in hopes of the furlough, the big bounty, etc.; but 
 th afterclap sticks in my crop (3 years more) and as yet, I 
 am on the fence preferring to serve out this term before 
 getting in any deeper; but may change my mind; as I think 
 this war will be closed by next fall. . 
 
 It has been very cold for the last few days, which kept 
 us prett} 7 well engaged in keeping the fires good. There 
 are three of us tent together; Bronson Felt, Joseph Grey 
 and your humble servant. The last named and myself 
 indulge in six blankets, two overcoats for a bed. Do you 
 not envy us ? Yesterday, there was a deserter shot belong 
 ing to the 7th Regular Infantry. It was in sight of camp, 
 but I did not go to see it, as it has got to be an old story. 
 
 Bell tells me you are donning ray coat, etc. 1 can 
 hardly believe that you can have grown so. I am about the 
 same as I was when I left home, and shall hardly dare to 
 make my appearance next fall if you continue so. Give my 
 love to Mother, and tell her I am glad she sold that wood. 
 Tell her to use the money freely to make herself comfort 
 able. The ration of candle is about gone; Brons has gone 
 to bed; Joe is on guard, and I have the bed to make, so 
 goodby for this time. Send me a Boston Herald, once in a 
 while - C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 Address 5th Army Corps, when you write, as this Regi 
 ment of Batteries has companies in every corps. 
 
 NEAR RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, 
 
 Battery C., 1st N. Y. Art y. Sunday, Dec. 13. 18(53. 
 Dear Sister Bell: 
 
 I received yours and Fred s letters, also Fred s letter 
 containing the auction bill; but you must excuse me for not 
 writing before, as we have been very busy of late building 
 winter quarters. We have not got them half done yet, as 
 we have to wait for each other, as the tools are very scarce. 
 We have got the logs up and also the chimney, which has 
 
 34 
 
been a^week s work, but begins to look as comfortable as 
 you can imagine to us who have not had a bed twice in a 
 place since last April. But Uncle Sam is going to give us a 
 rest by present appearances, until he has use for us next 
 spring. 
 
 Since I last wrote, our Battery has been in two little 
 brushes with the Rebs.; one on the north bank of the 
 Rapidan, and the other at Mine Run. We sustained no 
 loss, except a wheel from one of the pieces, which was 
 taken off by a shell at the last named place. We expected 
 a big engagment at this place; but as the Rebs did not 
 want to tight on fair terms, Meade declined fighting them 
 at all. On Monday, the 30th of November, the Artillery 
 which was in position for about three miles in front of the 
 Rebs entrenched works, was ordered to open on them at 
 8 A.M. This was done along the whole line, every one ex 
 pecting them to reply in good earnest, but were somewhat 
 surprised when we did not get but now and then a shot 
 from their works, which were of great strength and fairly 
 shone with cannon. This was kept up for about an hour 
 and a half, when orders came to cease firing. They were 
 waiting for some of our Infantry to come out so they could 
 get up a second Fredericksburg affair; but on account of 
 the cold and short rations, Meade slipped out that night. 
 Our horses were without feed three days. Quite a number 
 of them died of starvation. We had but four hardtack a 
 day. The Infantry men were round trying to buy it, offer 
 ing $5 a dozen; but there was none to be had. But every 
 thing is forgotten now; we are getting our soft tack and 
 fresh beef in plenty, and everyone is getting fat. 
 
 Fred says in his last, I have not got enough of soldier 
 ing, that I am going to stop in the Army until the war is 
 over. He draws a wrong conclusion from my statement. 
 As soon as nine months more roll round, if I am all right, 
 L shall return home. If I come in the Army again, it will 
 be in another capacity than a soldier. 
 
 I am glad Mother concluded to sell off some wood, and 
 hope she will appropriate some of the proceeds to her own 
 use. I should judge by the figures that it sold very high. 
 
 Do not let this letter go out of the house; remember. 
 
 C M. CUTLER. 
 
 BRANDY STATION, Va., Apr. 20, 1864. 
 Sister Bell: 
 
 I received your letter three days ago, and will answer 
 it now as I have an opportunity. An order came this morn- 
 
 35 
 
ing that we could not send any mail for twenty days after 
 today; and as I believe I am behind on correspondence with 
 you, I will just let you know that I am well, etc. There is 
 very little to write about. 
 
 We broke camp yesterday morning and crossed the 
 llappahannock. All the army seem to be getting ready for 
 a move. We were relieved at Bealetou by a Mass. Battery, 
 who expect to stop there this summer to guard the railroad. 
 It was not our luck to get this chance; but for my part I d 
 rather be in the front than anywhere else, as the excitement 
 and moving help to pass away time. I am never easy unless 
 I am where the noise is going on. We are now stopping 
 with the Reserve Artillery, and are not assigned to any 
 Corps. There are some twenty-five batteries in this corps 
 subject to be used where they are needed. The cars are 
 coming in here every hour loaded with cattle, hardtack and 
 pork, which is a petty sure sign of moving. 
 
 You must excuse me for closing so, but it sprinkles and 
 I must fix the tent or lie in the water to-night. Give my 
 love to Mother and Fred and all the rest. I forgot to tell 
 you that the sutler got burned out the night before we left. 
 His loss was some $9000 in goods and $4000 in greenbacks. 
 No insurance! He barely escaped with his life which was 
 not of much account. Supposed to be the work of au 
 incendiary. 
 
 I received a letter from S. Gardner. He is in the 124th 
 111. Regiment, Vicksburg. 
 
 Glory hallelujah! 
 
 From your affectionate brother, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 Address Battery C 1st N. Y., Artillery Reserve. 
 
 NEAR PETERSBURG, Va., June 21, 18l>4. 
 Dear Mother: 
 
 I think I will write you a few lines to let you know that 
 Battery C is all right and that your humble servant is the 
 same. We are in the fourth line of entrenchments that we 
 have taken from the Rebels, and can see the steeples oi 
 Petersburg, but the Lord knows when we shall get there. 
 Our Infantry is some two hundred yards in advance of us 
 behind strong earthworks, and keep up a continuous fir< 
 day and night. The Reb s line is but three hundred yards 
 from our Infantry; so you can see we are all in pretty close 
 quarters and one does not raise his head for sharpshooters. 
 Last Saturday afternoon, we had one of our pieces disabled 
 
 36 
 
by a Eeb shot, but since then there has been very little to 
 do by the artille:;y, as the sharpshooters of both parties keep 
 us under cover. The 22nd Mass, is close by. They have lost 
 very heavy since the campaign commenced. There is not a 
 Woburn man left in the Co., and but one non-commissioned 
 officer. Geo. Harrington is all right, or was yesterday. I 
 was glad to hear that you had sold the old farm. I think it 
 sold well. Take care of yourself. I have got to close as we 
 are to change position. There is heavy musketry firing all 
 along the lines. 9 o clock P.M. 
 
 From your son, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 PETERSBURG, Va., Aug 9, 1864. 
 Dear Brother James: 
 
 It is a long while since I have heard anything from you 
 or from any one. I begin to think you have got to be a 
 silent member. I do not even know where to direct a letter, 
 but heard someone say you were stopping in Somerville, so 
 to be close to somebody. I can judge who without much 
 trouble. How are you making it ? Pretty well, I guess, as 
 I do not hear anything of your having the war fever. I am 
 making it tip top, getting plenty of travel, promotion, 
 medical attendance, clothing, etc., etc. My time will ex 
 pire somewhere previous to Thanksgiving. I shall hardly 
 know myself when I get to be a citizen again. 
 
 I am surprised to hear that Fred had enlisted. I am 
 glad that he is in for no longer, and that he has no harder 
 chance than he has. He wrote me and wanted I should 
 come and see him, as he was sick. Such a thing is imposs 
 ible, as one can hardly get half a mile to the rear without 
 some general s order. I guess he is pretty homesick, hav 
 ing been disappointed in a soldier s life. I can draw con 
 clusions from experience, but there is about as much use in 
 getting homesick as there is in trying to fly without wings. 
 My home is where I happen to be and have my shelter tent 
 pitched. We have not been engaged since Saturday, the 
 30th of July, a memorable day. 
 
 The Keb s fort went heavenward with a few Johnnies 
 in their shirt tails, as we caught them napping so early in 
 the morning. I saw the thing go up. It seemed that there 
 was about half an acre of ground rising some fire hundred 
 feet up, enveloped in fire and smoke. There were two men, 
 a nigger and a white man, blown into our lines. The nigger 
 was yet alive, but the Johnnie had settled his account. The 
 
 37 
 
picket firing 8till goes on. I have not any more to say this 
 time. Please write soon. 
 
 It is none of my business, but have you paid for your 
 milk route, yet ? Let me know your business, and how you 
 are situated in the world. I shall stand on my head pretty 
 soon, if they do not give me a lead pill beforehand, as they 
 did a tent mate of mine, J. R. Moore, of Co. F 22d Mass. 
 He was a brother to me. I bunked two years with him in 
 the Regiment and agreed to travel with him when we got 
 out of this. He belonged in Illinois. He was shot on the 
 skirmish line through the heart. He had never been away 
 from the Regiment a day and had never got a scratch before. 
 So ends the history of a soldier. It is rather hard, but it 
 is but one instance in a thousand of the cases occurring 
 every day, in the splendid charges they talk about in the 
 papers. Write as soon as you get this. 
 
 From your brother, C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 PETERSBURG, Va., Aug. 1, 1864. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 I received your letter that was mailed the llth of July, 
 on the 27th. It was waiting some time for me at the Battery. 
 I being at City Point as guard on some wagons we sent 
 there. The contents somewhat surprised me, above all, that 
 Fred had enlisted. I am glad he is not in for any longer. 
 I received a letter from him Saturday. He was then near 
 Arlington Heights near Washington, and was sick. He will 
 probably be sicker before he gets out of it, but his term is 
 not for a great while. For the last three weeks our Battery 
 has been lying to the rear taking things easy. Last Friday 
 night, we were ordered to the front where we went. The 
 grand thing opened Saturday morning about daybreak. 
 The mines that have been so long building were sprung and 
 the Reb. forts went up. They were somewhat taken by 
 surprise, as our Infantry took a lot of them in their shirt 
 tails. Saturday was a lively day. Our Infantry took one 
 line from the Rebs but could not hold it. Whether Grant 
 accomplished what he attempted, no one knows; but J 
 should judge he did not. We were ordered back to our old 
 park Sunday morning. The lines still remain the same they 
 were a month ago, the picket and artillery firing con 
 tinuously. 
 
 I am not feeling first rate myself. There is scarcely 
 anybody that does. The water is very bad around here, and 
 
 38 
 
the weather is so hot and sultry that it is enough to kill 
 most anybody. Hoping this will find you all well, etc., I 
 remain, yours affectionately, 
 
 C. M. CUTLER. 
 
 CITY POINT, Va., Sept. 23, 64. 
 Dear Bell: 
 
 I received your letter of the 18th this morning. I had 
 given up writing any more until I came home, as there is so 
 very little of importance to write about. But on getting it, 
 I felt in duty bound to write a few lines to gratify you at 
 home. I do not wonder that you give up the 22nd ever com 
 ing home; not any more so than the boys themselves, as we 
 have been promised to go at three different times and all 
 have passed. We are getting to be much dissatisfied with 
 this, but await our time, which they say is on or before the 
 8th of Oct. Do not herald this to too great an extent, as we 
 shall not be able to stand it. There are but seven of the 
 Woburn Co. left and they are rather weather-beaten; so do 
 not get your expectations too high. Geo. Harrington and 
 your humble servant make two of the number. 
 
 About the young ladies you mention in your letter. Do 
 not anticipate or wish any gathering on my account, as I d 
 rather be on the skirmish line in a good smart fight than be 
 assailed by them. I wish to be as retired as possible and 
 go my way rejoicing. 
 
 I was very sorry to hear of Aunt Myra s surprise and 
 capture by the invaders of her territory, but never had a 
 very magnanimous opinion of the efficiency of her grandson 
 or of the holding out of her commissary or ordnance dept. 
 in case of a seige. Gen. Hartwell should be relieved of his 
 command for not bringing up his force in time. It is a very 
 heavy loss to the country and will have something to do with 
 the coming election. Mr. Harker shall be relieved, as I am 
 a Lincoln man and do not tolerate his sentiments. 
 
 C. M. C. 
 
 P. S. Tell Fred to stop in hospital and I will call and 
 see him. 
 
 39 
 
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