James R. Dobbyn 1stD.C. Cav ALS, 3PP blank bottom one inch removed from last page. , 8vo.” While I am writing there is a tremendous roar of artillery in front of Petersburg. It is now 1 o'clock p.m. Baldy Smith is either pushing Lee or Lee has got more help and is pushing him.”
Bermuda Hundred June 18th 1864
Dear Brother,
Your
letter came to hand yesterday and found me well and hearty. I guess when you
come down you will have to come over to us because some of Grant Army are here.While
I am writing there is a tremendous roar of artillery in front of Petersburg. It
is now 1 o'clock p.m. Baldy Smith is either pushing Lee or Lee has got more
help and is pushing him. If he (Lee) routs him here - it will be a terrible
defeat for us but it is impossible for me to find out what is going on. The
balance of our regiment have returned from the front. We only lost 5 men out of
D company killed. There is several wounded only slightly but none in our squad.I have no news to speak of. We all keep well but water is very scarce here. I
manage to have a plenty for our company. I hitch up my mule in a cart every
morning and haul 3 barrels about 3 miles to camp which does for my company and
enough to drink besides. I have a splendid mule which we captured about 20
miles south of Richmond on our first raid.
Tell
Harper I have (written) 2 letters and have not received but one letter from
him. Turn over.
No
more at present. Give my love to all.
Your
affectionate brother,
J.
R. Dobbyn
P.S.
You were speaking to Mr. Mack. There is two "Macks" officers in
the regiment. One McNamara & McBride. The last named, 2nd Lieut. of our
Co., the first McNamara went to Fortress Monroe on the 4th of this month on the
sick report I hear and that is all I know about the case or any of us. Come
over to see me.
Yours
truly,
J.
R. Dobbyn
The
stamps came all right.