Carter, Solon Augustus (b. 1837) to Emily Carter
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09008 Author/Creator: Carter, Solon Augustus (b. 1837) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: 18 June 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his wife, "My own Emily," about the first engagements of the Battle of Petersburg. Reports that he is two miles from Petersburg and that "The whole army is here and banging away at the rebs pell mell." Praises the African American division of the XVIII corps led by General Edward Winslow Hinks, " ... the fight of our darkey division before Petersburg on the 15th inst. It was a very brilliant affair and every body speaks in the highest terms of their conduct ... The Army of the Potomac is a big thing, and so is Hink's Colored division." Describes the success of the African American regiment and remarks, "The darkeys feel very happy about it. We captured some prisoners ... and they feel pretty cheap to think that the confounded niggers had obliged them to abandon their strong works." Reports that there is heavy fighting going on the east and south east side of Petersburg as he is writing. Sketches a diagram of the area with a note "rebel works captured by 18th Corps & held by Hancock & Wright." Informs that General Hinks took a fall from his horse and suffered an internal injury. Mentions crossing paths with Major George E. Chamberlain of the 11th Vermont. Relays that General Benjamin Butler has given them orders to go to Bermuda Hundred but states that they must wait to be relieved by General George Meade as they are under his command. Ends by stating, "Our troops are driving the rebs back into the city. They fight like fiends. The lines stand up face to face and blaze & bang at each other with the greatest fury." Written from "Head Quarters Hink's Division 18th A.C., In the field before Petersburg."
Carter enlisted on 9 October 1862 as a Caption in Co. G, New Hampshire 14th Infantry. After the war, Carter was a member of New Hampshire state house of representatives, 1869-70, and New Hampshire state treasurer, 1872-74, 1875-1913.
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