Morey, Charles C. (ca. 1830-1865) to mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.18.31 Author/Creator: Morey, Charles C. (ca. 1830-1865) Place Written: Newtown, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 November 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes from camp near Newtown, Virginia. Discusses election results received in camp on the previous Tuesday. Says the 2nd Regiment gave General George McClellan & George H. Pendleton a majority of 32, but the brigade voted for Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Mentions skirmishing with the rebels on the previous day, and hopes to get up a good "house." Mentions success of his father's business and hopes for its continued success. Discusses reports of General Jubal Early's 9000 reinforcements and 17 pieces of artillery. Describes General Philip Sheridan as "the only General who I believe who knows no defeat." Relates a story of a prisoner who did not want to fight for the Confederacy anymore. Mentions the St. Albans raid.
Charles C. Morey enlisted as a Corporal on 22 April 1861 (mustered into E Company on 20 June 1861), and was promoted to Full Sergeant on 10 February 1862. The following December he was promoted to Full Sergeant 1st Class and on 31 January 1864 reenlisted in the Union Army. He was promoted twice during 1864, first to Full Lieutenant 1st Class (20 June) and then to Full Captain (24 June 24-effective 31 January 1865). He was wounded in battle at Charles Town, West Virginia (21 August 1864), and killed at Petersburg, Virginia on 2 April 1865.
Camp near Newtown Va Nov. 13th 1864
My dear Mother
It is Sunday morning again and I know of no better way to spend a few moments than in communicating my thoughts to you. On Tuesday last we held our election, the results of which was the 2d Regiment gave McClellan & Pendleton a majority of 32 but the brigade gave Lincoln & Johnson 416 majority. On Wednesday morning we marched from our camp at Strasburg and arrived here on the same day, we have fortified our position and we feel very safe.
Yesterday I was on fatigue from half past six A.M. until seven in the evening, worked on a small fort directly in front of our camp the rebels and our pickets were continually skirmishing but to day all [2] is quiet. The weather is cold and windy and we have no comfortable quarters but hope before long to get up a good house. My health is good and am enjoying life as well as circumstances will permit. I sent a letter to you by the last mail, and tomorrow annother mail will come in and go out. Last mail I received a letter from you and one from our friend "Sarah"
I thank you very much for your kind answer to my letter I wrote you sometime ago, will try and profit from your advice. I know that it was a long time before you heard from me after the battle but it was was not possible for me to write sooner I hope annother instance of the kind may not occur. I am really happy to hear that Father has got so nicely established in his business, hope he will be able to please the people and furnish then with what they want [3]
I sent a letter to Aunt Emma a few days since in answer to one she wrote me sometime since she speaks of spring as being not very far off and seems to think she shall hail it with delight.
It is reported that Early has received 9000 reinforcements mostly conscripts and that he has 17 pieces of artillery, if he does not wish to issue that artillery to Gen. Sheridan he had better keep off a proper distance. Gen. Sheridan is the only general we have I believe who knows no defeat, he [struck: was] never was yet whiped in any engagement, has always been victorious, and I hope and pray that he may always have success so long as he fights on the right side. Yesterday Maj. Johnson brought in a prisoner who, when taken to the Provost Marshall and asked what he wanted to do answered that he did [4] not want to fight anymore for the Southern confederacy - He was sent to corps Hd. Qrs. have not heard anything from him since.
I received a Journal by last mail giving an account of the St. Albans raid had quite a time didn't they? would have liked to have been there with a a company from my regiment, I assure you if had been there we would have had fun by the bushell.
The paper we got today is confident that Lincoln & Johnson are elected
But must close Please remember to all the family and all our friends Give my kindest regard to "S.: Please all of you write as often as convenient and I will try and answer Lt. Col Brown has arrived.
Accept a great deal of love from your son in the Army
C.C. Morey
1st Lt. 2d Regt Vt. Vols
To
"Mother"
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