Walbridge, Charles E. (b. 1842) to mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04662.071 Author/Creator: Walbridge, Charles E. (b. 1842) Place Written: Bermuda Hundred, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1864/7/4 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
He has received a thirty day furlough and will start home on Friday. He describes ships decorated and batteries firing in observance of the 4th of July.
Assistant Quartermaster's Office,
Bermuda Hundred, Va., July 4th 1864
Dear Mother,
I have some good news to tell you; nothing less than that I have a thirty day leave of absence in my desk!- I obtained it very unexpectedly to myself, for I have been disappointed so many times, that I had very little confidence in the present trial. - Col. Fuller the chief Quartermaster obtained it for me. - I hope to start from here Friday morning, which will bring me in New York Saturday evening; I will spend Sunday and probably Monday in New York, (as I may not go back that way,) and start for home in the
Monday night. - I do hope [illegible] can go home with me. - I wrote him this morning. - I would start right off, but I must close up my last month papers first. - I am not going to them [2] over my property, but will leave the business just as it is, in the hands of Capt Lowell. - A thirty day furlough is worth waiting for, isn't it? - This has been a very quiet fourth; - the vessels have been rigged out with their flags and [illegible], and a battery came down to the landing at noon and fired a salute; and this is the extent of our celebration. - There was very little firing at the front, although many expected a grand attack this morning. - Grant is getting ready as rapidly as its suits his convenience, or rather I should say according to his resources, and you may be sure when he is ready, he will be successful. - I firmly believe that he will succeed in destroying the rebel army. - Well good night, hoping to talk with you very [illegible] many days, and to receive your good night kiss, I am
Your affectionate son
Charlie
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