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The Charles P. McIlvaine letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
Description
Lots of wounded - glad he came; hopes to see Grant's HQ tomorrow
ISBN
KMcI640519
Date
5-19-1864
Keywords
letter, McIlvane, wife, travel, Civil War
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Pettit, "Letter to Emily McIlvaine (wife)" (1864). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 131.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/131
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Transcript
Fredericksburgh [sic]
Thursday 19 - /64
Dear Wife,
Got here last Ev. by Ambulence from Bille Plain on the Potomac, am writing at the house of the Christ. Commission, between 2 + 300 delegates noble character men working away 12 or 15000 wounded now here. Think of it, every house filled. What a scene Battle yesterday 12 mites from here wounded of yesterday brought in just after we armed, all [first sufferings[. I’m truly glad I came. All so glad of it. Mr [Sharks] man sees to all I want, bivouacked on the floor of a deserted house last night [?] with short of the battle last year. Addressed + forayed with Sir [Rebel Pimmen] at Belle Plains drawn up in [?]. I have seen + [learned] a life-lesson, a life history in a day. A great battle expected to-day. We are near enough to hear it, sounds of it takes place. But alas where will the wounded be put - all is full -- All hands are on [?] Never the Gospel seemed so precious - never the awful crime of the Rebellion so horrid. Don’t be [a?] about me. I am very well, not oppressed in spirit. We expect to go to Grants [??] tomorrow. [?] is here on t he Ch. Com. Then they all work + pray _ sing. What precious work. I work in great haste. Paper is scarce as well as time - send this to Charley - Bless him _ all of you.
Your dear husband
C.P.M.