James Lattimore 132^nd Ohio 4PP, 8vo., "The Johnny’s have tried to break in on us here 2 or 3 times since we came but they were met with such warm reception that they soon skedaddled.”

Bermuda hundreds General Butler’s department center of breastworks between James River and Appomattox River 16 miles from Richmond, and 6 miles from Petersburg, Virginia July 3 64.

Dear Brother and Sister,

I thought, as I have a little leisure time from the many duties we have to perform here and writing to my own family at home. I would direct a few lines to you to inform you of my whereabouts, and in return, wish to get a line from you, as it has been a long time since I received a letter from you, and have no way of hearing from you only as I inquire of others. There are a good many here in the same regiment I am that are from your county, but I cannot learn much about your folks from them. I joined the national guards last season, and when called on last May to rally to my countries standard my affairs were in a bad condition to leave, but I made no excuse, but on the 2nd of May 3 companies of us in Paulding county met and reported ready for duty and in one week was on our way to Toledo from thence to Columbus and Camp Chase where we were consolidated with other companies and formed the 132nd regiment and on the 14th of May was sworn into United States service, and instead of staying at camp Chase, as we were designed we were misrepresented by some designing hotheaded officers and soon marched to Alexandria where we took the steamboat, John Brooks. Steamed down the Potomac to York River then up York River then up Pamunkey River to White House Landing, where we done a great deal of hard labor, such as building batteries digging into entrenchments, standing picket unloading boats and lading wagons with gov supplies and unloading ambulance trains of wounded and placing them on hospital boats and guarding prisoners and other fatigue duties to numerous to mention. Then steamed back into Chesapeake and up the James River to this place, where we have done a great deal of the same kind of duty, and in addition, we have to lay in the trenches at breastworks with our arms every night now for about two weeks. The Johnny’s have tried to break in on us here 2 or 3 times since we came but they were met with such warm reception that they soon skedaddled. Grant has a breastwork here extending from James River to Appomattox River 3 miles in extent strongly fortified with many batteries, redoubts abates works, rifle pits, bomb proof, tents, and other constructions too formidable for the Rebs ever to make their escape through here. I suppose you are better posted at home than we are about the general operation of the army, our hundred days are half out and we expect to return to our families in August. There are other matters concerning our regiment which you have not likely been posted about. I get letters from home every week got one yesterday my family keeps well as can but have to work hard to raise their garden and potatoes and beans, and save our little bit of hay and wheat, and it is very dry in that part so corn cannot grow and everything seems to be drying out. I have received one letter from mother since I came out. She is going to live with Frank and Lew will not let her live with them anymore. Poor old lady seems to have a great deal of trouble in her old age. Hannah is having a great deal of trouble also nowadays. The doctor and she does not live together much of the time. The children all seem to be against the doctor, but he has the power in his own hands.

James Woodcock is with us here a sergeant in our company (A). George Bogart, Mary Ann’s husband was with us, but has been sent home sick and the doctor came to Washington after him, we thought he would die had lung fever. I don’t hear whether he has got home or not. Now here, brother, I hope you will not neglect writing to me on the receipt of this. I suppose you have often heard how cheering it was to a soldier to get letters from friends at home. I can assure you it is the case if we don’t get a letter or two every week, we are very uneasy and complaining about something being wrong in the mail etc. Write a long letter all about how you and your folks are getting along and matters and things in general one of Henry B Curtis’ sons is here in the 142nd regiment and one of Colmens’ sons. I don’t think of anything more of importance to write at present. I write in haste, as I know not how soon I will be called for some duty please write, give my best wishes to all your family. I would be glad to hear from them all. This from your brother and well-wisher JF Lattimore.