Soldier writes To His brother After the Battle of Fredericksburg
Author
Recipient
Date Written
Dec. 20, 1862
History Referenced
Member of Series
Naum Haus Apgar was 21 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Andrew B. Apgar, was 24 when it was received.
Naum Haus Apgar died 1 year, 7 months, 7 days after writing this.
It was written 160 years, 9 months, 3 days ago.
It was a Saturday.
Dec 20, 1862
110th P. V. Near Falmouth, Va.
Beloved brother,
This afternoon I am again constrained to drop you a few lines. I am in middling health at present. I rec’d your letter of 14th inst. Yesterday, was very glad to hear that you were all well and so prosperous. I just a few moments ago rec’d a letter from sister Magaret, date of Dec. 6, containing 2 dollars in money & a number of postage stamps. “Tell the donor that they ever receive my grateful thanks for their many kindnesses. We have not rec’d a cent of pay since the beginnings of July. I have not written for some time until now as we were absent from camp five days, no doubt you have read authentic accounts of the terrible battle of Fredericksburg. I need not relate it to you. Your brother (Naum), was engaged in that terrible conflict. God spare me the pain of ever again witnessing a like scene. We went on the field and made a charge at once about 3 o’ clock on Saturday in the afternoon and held our position until we were relieved on Sunday night, a period of 26 hours without a drink of water or anything to eat, our loss was heavy. The exact number I cannot say none killed in Co. B. It appears to me this far our regiment has been the most lucky of any I ever knew. Our regt. numbered only about 125 men. We only lost about 15 killed and wounded; we went out of the city and advanced right towards their works. Gen. Carroll in his congratulatory orders read at parade yesterday evening says Carroll’s brigade covered themselves with interminable glory. We received the congratulations of the Major Gen. Commanding but alas “With a tear for the fallen brave we loathe such glory. I came out unscathed another time. What a dreadful list of losses; you will never see them all. I must think of closing. I shall write to Margaret shortly (if I live) and to all of you soon. The weather today is very cold. I close by remaining your affectionate brother, Goodbye, farewell.
N Hauss Apgar
Mr. A. B. Apgar
Mapleton, Pa.
Scans of Letter
