Bogert, John A. (fl. 1863-1865) to Jacob C. and Mrs. Bogert
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06298.04 Author/Creator: Bogert, John A. (fl. 1863-1865) Place Written: Morris Island, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 July 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.5 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Bogert replies to several letters he recently received from his parents. Mentions family members and acquaintances, including the death of Uncle Peter. States that he has confidence in General Ulysses S. Grant's siege of Richmond, Virginia. Expresses disappointment in missing a family picnic, and discusses the availability of fresh vegetables at his station. Refers to the delivery of his letter to his parents by Chaplain Willis. Mentions the activities of Generals Foster (possibly John Gray Foster), Alexander Schimmelfinnig, and Hatch (possibly John Porter Hatch). Relates details of his regiments' expedition with the 52nd Pennsylvania Regiment to take Forts Simpkins and Johnson on James Island. Expresses pride regarding his regiments' actions and criticizes the 52nd, stating "the 52nd Penn are all composed mostly of conscripts and some of them actually refused to land and threatened to shoot the coxswain If he landed them." States that though they were ordered to land on James Island first, the 52nd Regiment purposefully lagged behind. Requests that his parents send postage stamps. Envelope includes a three cent stamp.
Bogert served as Captain and Lieutenant Colonel of the 103rd Regiment, United States Colored Troops. The 103rd Regiment served at various locations in Georgia and South Carolina, and was mustered out 15-20 April 1866.
Morris Island, S. C.
July 8th 1864
My Dear Father & Mother
The mail arrived here to day and I received two letters from home one from Father & one from Mother also some papers I was much pleased to hear from you and know that you were all well I am sorry that Katie's eyes do not get along any better but she should try and not get Impatient tell her to think of the poor fellows who are wounded and are blinded with powder away from home & kind friends to cheer them in there sufferings I was paned to hear of the death of Uncle Peter although I think he is better off I sympathize deeply with Aunt Susan & his children I suppose the whole family will be broken up now. I hio they will not suffer for anything. Mother speaks In her letter of June 29th of not receiving any letter from me but I see by Father's letter that It was received next day. You speak about having very warm weather we are having extremely warm weather down here and no Ice water to drink I am sorry to hear that Dave Is sick I have not heard from him in some time and his not being well probably accounts for It. I think that If Grant had not taken Richmond yet that he will have it before [2] he gets through with the Campaign We all have great confidence In him & his abilities as a soldier I am afraid If you should look at my garden you would not form a very high opinion of It but we think it is very nice for this sand Bar called Morris Island I am glad to know that you enjoyed yourself at the picnic I should like to have been with you I should have liked to help eat that pudding with strawberry sauce It is so long since I have seen strawberries that I almost forget how they look we get fresh vegetables quite regularly from Hilton Head such as Cabbages. new potatoes Beets squash &c &c I should like to help eat some of those Grapes this Fall I hope that the worms will not spoil them I am sorry Chaplain Willis did come In when he delivered the letter I should like for you to have seen him maybe he will call before he goes back again. I hope I did not say anything out of the way In regard to Mr Port in my last letter but I was very angry when I saw the message he sent to me in regard to Lt Samis. I saw the notice of Uncle Peters death in the paper of July 3rd before I received your letter. We have quite a supply of new down here just now the Bombardment of the city had commenced fair Genl Foote has attacked the Batteries on James Island Genl Schemelfinig our Division commander has quite a number of troops on James Island Genl Hatch Is also there with some [3] troops they have been fighting more or less for about a week not much loss on either side most of the loss on our side has been by sunstroke I do not think out Regt will be called down there. We had quite a little expedition start from this Island last Saturday night our Regt & the 52nd Pennsylvania Regt were ordered to go in small Boats and take Forts Sempkins Johnson Johnson which are situated on the north end of James Island nearer the city than Fort Sumpter It was a hazardous undertaking we were to land past before daylight & rush up take Forts &c &c It would have all been very nice If there had been no drawbacks but the tide was very low and our boats were continualy getting aground and we did not get up there untill after daylight and our Regts boats & the 52nd boats were all mixed up and I saw the thing was gone up part of the 52nd It is supposed landed a number of the rest of the boats try to land but the Rebels discover us and Poured such a heavy fire of Grape & Canister Into us that we were obliged to retire there was some fault some where there will be an Investigation made I would not like to give anymore particulars untill the thing is settled I did my duty and was going to go ashore but when I saw the rest of the boats retreating I thought that the only way to save my mens lives was to get out of range as soon as possible I do not think I was ever under a much heavier fire than I was there for a short time [4] and I think that my escape and that of my men was providential and I thank God for It. There were about 120 men of the 52nd captured & the Colonel Lt Colonel & 4 Officers there is considerable talk around about the afair Indeed I felt ashamed of my Regiment for a short time but since the Matter has seen understood I do not blame my Regiment at all the 52 Penn [illegible] are composed mostly of conscripts and all some of them actually refused to land and threatened to shoot the coxswain If he landed them. I am satisfied that me Regt will fight If they get the chance. The 52 Regt were to go ahead of ours a land first but they kept lagging behind and got mixed up with our boats and seemed as if they were trying every way to prevent the expedition being successful. however I hope before long that the 127th Regt will have a chance to show their fighting qualities again and I have no doubt they will do well we had some few Men wounded but non killed. but I must draw my letter to a close my love to all write soon. a good long letter
You Affectionate son
Johnny
Please send me some postage stamps. I am glad that check came safe
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