Goold, James (b. 1842) to John S. Goold
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.05.04 Author/Creator: Goold, James (b. 1842) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 December 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his father describing the beginning of the battle at Fredericksburg, 11-15 December 1862: "The first gun was fired about 5 o'clock A.M., and the firing was kept up with but little intermission until after dark. At times the firing was so sharp that it was one continued roar." Details the battle on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, noting the fighting on Friday was not nearly as bad as Thursday or Saturday. States that "The rebels have fortified these hills as strongly as possible. I have been told that they have 50 batteries there, and I should not wonder if they did, as we can see a great many from where we are." He thinks his brother Theodore is in Philadelphia, and was not with the regiment just before it crossed, but is worried about cousin James Goold, "as I expect that he was in the fight." Letter written in graphite on Army stationary that has an emblem of eagle and "Union For Ever" printed at top.
James Goold enlisted on 29 August 1862 at Macedon, New York as a Private. He was mustered into "F" Co. New York 25th Infantry. On 19 June 1863 he was transferred into "I" Co. New York 44th Vet Infantry.
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