1864 CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE Soldier Letter - 11th MS PETERSBURG BATTLE Content

Description

Civil War Confederate soldier's letter, 3 pgs., approx. 6" x 8-1/4", dated
"In trenches, Petersburg, Va., September 1st/ 64"
, from Charles O. Brooks,
11th Mississippi Infantry
, to his friend Thomas.
A well-written letter with great content from this soldier in the 11th Mississippi Infantry in Jo Davis' Brigade, writing of being in the trenches,
"fronting a Negro Brigade"
, and hoping that they have the opportunity of fighting "these Bucks", who he predicts will "fare but middling". He writes of the fight for the Weldon Railroad on the 18th of August (the Battle of Globe Tavern, or Second Battle of Weldon Railroad), and
much more great content.
The letter reads:
"Friend Thomas,
I must confess that I am really ashamed for not writing you before this, but better late than never. I got back to my Company on the first of June, just in time to participate in a fight on the 2nd in which Alex M[..?..], Henry Burton & Hughes were killed. I suppose you were acquainted with them.
This has been one of the most arduous campaigns that we have ever had to undergo and hope it may be the last.
We are at this time lying in the trenches fronting a Negro Brigade at a distance of three hundred years apart. I hope when we fight, that it may be our fortune to encounter these Bucks - think they would fare but middling.
On the 18th, the enemy advanced their lines to our right, causing our cavalry to fall back and taking possession of the Weldon Rail Road. Two Brigades of our Division (Walker's and Davis's) were sent down to dislodge them. We drove them about two miles and finding them too strong for us, we had to fall back until reinforcements could arrive, when the next morning we waded into them, giving them hell and capturing two thousand prisoners. Loss in our Regiment was forty killed and wounded.
Tom, when I saw you last, I was anxious to try cavalry, but have come to the conclusion that one place is about as good as another. It is true most of our best men have been killed, but have some very pleasant associates yet. I am in hopes this will be the last year of the war, for I am awful tired of it, but willing to fight until we have gained an honorable peace.
Walter B[..?..] still amanuensies for Jo Davis and has an easy time of it. He deserves an easy position; there never was a better boy in the world than he is. Tom, I have no news and feel but little like writing at this time. We are all very desponding at this time. We are listening to hear every day that Mississippi has been overrun and I am fearful that Sherman will force Hood to evacuate Atlanta. But is is generally believed that he will prove master of the situation. Tom, I hope you will be punctual in answering my letters.
Direct to Richmond, Hill's Corps, Heth's Division & Davis' Brigade.
Having nothing more will close. Good Bye.
I remain as ever your friend,
Chas. O. Brooks
Walker sends his pious regards."
Very Fine.
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