More Letters from The Lads
Camp Near Hatcher's Run, Va.
March 26th, 1865
My Dear Wife
I have just recieved your
welcomed letter of the 21st instant and was glad to hear from you.
I am well at present and hope that you are the same. I
am glad you got the money for I was a little worried about it.
You say you write to me a great deal oftener than I do to
you. If you do I do not get your letters.
The letter I got from you today is the only one I have
recieved from you in answer to three letters that I have sent to you.
Early yesterday morning the rebels made an attack on
Fort Hell capturing it along with Fort Sedgwick but did not hold it very long.
Afterward we were run out and had to charge the rebel skirmish line during
which we lost twenty in killed and wounded. Our company lost one killed
and none wounded. (ed. note Private George Udall - killed)
The engagement lasted only a short time but during that
time the musket fire was very heavy. We captured about fifty rebels
besides taking a line of rifle pits from them.
You say I did not do as I promised to do in regards to
getting a man for Mrs. Lawler. Now, if she is certain she wants one, there
is a young fellow in the tent with me aged about forty summers that would
like to get married if he could find a lady that will have him.
Tell Mrs Lawler that now is the time if she wants a
good husband. You may tell her that this man s a veteran and has three
installments of bounty now due besides six months pay.
Let me know what Mike is doing at Annapolis and
whether his regiment is there or not.
When you send young Steve down here as a drummer
I will take as good care of him as you are now doing, if I have the
opportunity.
No more at present, give my love to all inquiring
friends, also to Father and Mother, Mary Nate and jer also to Mrs Lawler
and accept the same yourself
I remain
Your Loving Husband
Stephen Dooley
Co. A 69th Regt Pa Vols.
3rd Brig, 2nd Div, 2 Corps Virginia
Camp near Stevensburg, Va Mar 18, 64
Dear father and Mother & Sisters
I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you
know that I am better than I was. And also let you know nowthat I
nrecieved your kind and welcome letter last night and was glad to hear
that you were all enjoying good health.
Their was great time hear yestrday at the 69th Regt. P Vols.
sellebrated St Patrick's Day by having Hoarse Racing and Pigchase and
climen the Greece Pole and Boxen and Drinken Whiskey.
Well one of the Boys of the 116th Regt caught the Greecy Pig and
fitch it home with him. Well the day broke up having a big supper over at
the Division Headquarters and all the Officers getting drunk and maken a
regher mess. To wind it up the boys are getting drunk and a good many
of them are under arrest.
From your Son
Wm. A Smith
116th Pa