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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC09273.23 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of 50 letters of Horace J. Hammond, a soldier in the 189th regiment New York volunteers |
| Title | Letter from Horace J. Hammond to Eleanor Hammond with news of his health and the war |
| Date | 24 January 1865 |
| Author | Hammond, Horace J. |
| Recipient | Hammond, Eleanor |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | All are in "tip top health" and hopes she is too. Weather is clear but cool. Has been cooking beef all day. Is "the fattest I have been since we have been married." All the men can eat "like pigs." Does not think he will have to fight much once fighting starts, because his regiment is in the reserve corps. Leg had almost healed when it "began to swell up on my knee and got very sore." The doctor put "some stuff" on it, and it is getting better. Can still walk very well. His work is not too hard. Does not think any of his friends will get hurt fighting. Stopped writing for the night, and received another letter the next morning. The shanty is warm; the fireplace is always full of wood. Has heard that Richmond is close to falling into Union hands. There was a naval battle between Union and Confederate boats in which Union ironclads sunk two rebel boats and ran another two aground. Heavy guns have started to shell the city. The guns must be large, because they are over 30 miles from Richmond and "they made the ground jar." About 2,000 rebel deserters came to Union lines. "Some come over every night from 20 to 100… The rebels are getting sick of" fighting. Would like to hear from "the folks back home." She should feel glad that he came down to fight in the fall as a volunteer instead of as a draftee in the spring "for nothing." Believes that he "will come out alright," because his time will be two thirds done by the time fighting starts up again in the spring. Can feel the time when he can come home coming closer. Would love to see her, but is patient and willing to wait, for he trusts in the Lord. Reminds her that he loves her. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Union Forces Military History Injury or Wound Marriage Union Soldier's Letter Civil War Health and Medical Diet and Nutrition Confederate States of America Military Provisions Military Supplies Battle Battle of Richmond Navy Confederate States of America Navy Ironclad Artillery Desertion Conscription Religion Love Letters |
| People | Hammond, Horace J. (fl. 1864-1865) |
| Place written | City Point, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History; Health & Medicine; Religion; Children & Family; Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Hammond enlisted on August 17, 1864 at Avoca, NY as a Private. He served largely at City Point, Virginia, the headquarters for General Ulysses S. Grant. While at City Point, he was injured when a fellow soldier's rifle discharged and the bullet became lodged in his leg. Doctors removed the bullet and Hammond recovered without having his leg amputated. Hammond was discharged on May 30, 1865. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Wife |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 189th New York Vols., "G" Company |