June 6, 1864
My Dear Brother Michael,
It has been almost a year since I lost received a letter from you. You said you were at Brandy Station at the time. I fear for the worst, dear brother. Are you a prisoner in a Northern camp somewhere? Are you amongst the wounded?
I am still traveling with Uncle Dick who is attached to the Third Maine Infantry, Company A. But for him and Aunt Marcia, I would be on the streets with no where to go. After the battles of ‘62 near our Maryland farm, I had no choice but to leave the land. I hope to return there when this war is over and rebuild what remains of the farmhouse and barns. We are located on the Winchester farm near the Paumunkey River in Virginia. Here I am staying in a small group of people in an area called Unity. There is a group of Federal troops to the East and a group of Rebels to the south. Friday night we arrived and set up camp before dark. Ashley was with me, Ben staying in the North near his school. It was quite cold that night, 45 degrees. There was little sleep to be had with the arrival of late comers. A babe cried late into the night. Saturday I was told to be in the military camp at 6 am for breakfast. Chef Bray had hung a stuffed squirrel on the tent pole.
More then one person mistook the animal as being alive as the wind made its tail move. Others were convinced it was dinner.
Later in the morning, the ladies had a fashion show. It was quite shocking but very entertaining to watch Mrs Lawson clothe her dress form. There was a tea in the town square, many attended and had it not been for Mrs Cylik and Mrs Lawson and most especially Mrs Williams, all would not have been served.
During the afternoon, there was a battle with many wounded.
I feared one might be you so I snuck across the lines to the Confederate Hospital. There was a gallant surgeon tending the wounded.
The 15th Alabama’s Captain was wounded and his wife came to his side. Only the skill of the surgeon saved him. Later I went to the Sutlers in Unity and purchased a shirt for Ben. Dinner was a ham and bean supper in town followed by a Contra dance. My cousin, Private Steve Henry escorted me. The strain of the battle filled day wore on me, leaving me too tired for the festivities. The night proved cold again, though not as bad as the previous one.
I once again ate with the Third Maine. At 10 am there were church services in town. Captain Lawson marched the men into town and ordered them to attend.
Having seen some of the men's actions, I certainly agreed with the Captain’s insistence in going for their moral character. The services was well done but towards the end of the service, the men in blue were called to arms and forced to leave before the end. Once again there was a battle in the after noon and once again I crossed the lines to the Rebel hospital tents.
When I arrived I notice there were 2 Third Maine men laying wounded. They had been treated but were in need of comfort. I gave them water and reassurance, offering them laudanum from my basket. Dearest brother, at that moment a Rebel Captain tried to steal my basket. Keeping it from him I again turned to help the boys in blue. To my utter shock and surprise I heard a woman’s voice to tell me to step away from my basket! I nearly fainted! She accused me of being a spy for the Union, Another Rebel office riffled through my basket, reading the letter you sent me from Brandy Station and finding the Union pin that I wear. I was escorted at gunpoint to a tent and told to wait. To my utter relief I was left alone long enough to take my basket and run. I ran to the nearest union soldier I could find, explaining what happened. The kind man said he would see to the Union wounded and sent me to the Third Maine Camp. There I found my Uncle and Mrs Cylik. I was given a firm lecture on going unescorted into town. A few hours later, the troops gathered and we marched off to find a new camp. I hope and pray you are well, Michael. Please write to me so that my heart can be calmed. Yours always, Your sister.
Norlands Movie
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