1862 Civil War Soldier Letter — 17th Maine — Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse

Description

Private George W. Doughty wrote this letter home to his mother while on the battlefield of Spotsylvania Courthouse over two separate days—May 17 and 19, 1864. On the 17th, he writes that “with the goodness of our kind Heavenly Father my poor life has been spared thusfar through the bloody strife, while many of my comrades have fallen by my side.” Doughty continues, “we commenced fighting the fifth of this month and have been fighting on some part of the lines a great part of the time since.” He notes that the regiment “went in with four hundred and eighty guns,” but that after a week of hard fighting, including the Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse, “we have only about one hundred and fifty.” Of the May 12 “Mule Shoe” attack at Spotsylvania, he writes, “we made a charge a few days ago and took about seven thousand prisoners and about twenty pieces of artillery. I thought the whole Southern army was coming.” Doughty states he will write home with the details of the battle “if I live to see the fight through.”
Not having an opportunity to mail his letter, he continued writing on May 19, adding that “we have not had much fighting since the 17th,” except for “a little engagement yesterday morning but it did not last long.” He concludes somberly, “leave me in the hands of God.”
The letter was written on three pages of a 5” x 8” bifolium letter sheet. Very good condition with moderate toning. Doughty’s writing is somewhat faint, but still easily readable. Creased at the original mailing folds. The letter’s transcript follows:
On the Battlefield, Near Spotsylvania Courthouse Va.
May 17th / 64
Dear Mother,
I will write a few lines to you this afternoon to let you know that with the goodness of our kind Heavenly Father my poor life has been spared thusfar through the bloody strife, while many of my comrades have fallen by my side. We commenced fighting the fifth of this month and have been fighting on some part of the lines a great part of the time since. Our Regiment went in with four hundred and eighty guns and now we have only about one hundred and fifty. I don’t know how much longer the Battle will last, but I hope not much longer. We made a charge a few days ago and took about seven thousand prisoners and about twenty pieces of artillery. I thought the whole Southern army was coming. I cannot write much today and I don’t know when I shall have a chance to send this.
If I live to see the fight through I will write all the particulars. Don’t worry about me. Trust me in the hands of God.
Your Affectionate Son
Geo. W. Doughty
May 19th
I will put in a few more lines today. I have not had a chance to send it yet. We have not had much fighting since the 17th. We had a little engagement yesterday morning but it did not last long. We have had none today. I understand that we are to move again tomorrow morning but I don’t know certain.
Leave me in the hands of God.
Your Son
George
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