21 May 1863
Bell, Grove L.
Autograph letter signed
Title: to home friends
Received their letter the night before last; would have answered earlier but has had a lot to do. Had a lot of fun bathing and fishing. Recently fought at Chancellorsville. "Anything but fighting for me" after the horror of his first battle. Soldiers used to really want to see a battle, but not anymore. "They have all got enough of it." Vouches for the courage of his compatriots, saying that they would not have retreated had the order not been given. Several of his fellow troops were maimed. One, Herman, lost his leg from below the thigh. Cad, their commander, is trying to get a furlough…
GLC08913.11