CIVIL WAR LETTER - 93rd New York Infantry, DESCRIBES BATTLE near PETERSBURG !!

Description

Civil War Letter
Civil War Letter - Written by Soldier in Company "I" of the 93rd New York Infantry
This Civil War soldier letter was written by Jerome Sears (1833-1864), the son of Hiram Sears (1802-Bef1860) and Sarah Adams (1808-18083) of Lake, Washington county, New York.
Jerome enlisted in Co. I, 93rd New York Infantry, on 25 December 1861. He enlisted as a private and rose in the ranks to Orderly Sergeant of his company before he was wounded in the fighting at Deep Bottom, Virginia, on 15 August 1864. He died on 24 August 1864 at the Satterlee General Hospital in Philadelphia.
Jerome Sears of Co. I, 93rd NYSV
Jerome’s younger brother, George W. Sears (1837-1910), is mentioned from time to time in these letters. George served as a private in Co. A, 123rd New York Infantry.
Jerome wrote all of the letters to his good friend and Methodist clergyman John Milton Webster (1828-1914), the son of Orrin Hollister Webster (1800-1862) and Theda Streeter (1802-1872). Webster was married to Chloe Mary Barney (1832-1922) in 1853.
Drum Corps of the 93rd New York Infantry at Bealeton, Virginia, August 1863
Transcription
On the battlefield near Petersburg, Virginia
July 6th 1864
Dear Brother Webster,
Yours of July 1st came to hand this morning. My health is improving and has been since I wrote last. We have had a quiet time, a part of the time since I wrote last. We are laying behind breastworks in the front line and with a half mile of the enemy’s line of works. There is very little picket firing in front of our Corps. The pickets on both sides talk together, being only a few rods apart. On the right and left of our line, picket firing is heard all the time and considerable shelling every night—especially on the extreme right in Butler’s command. the 6th Corps lays on the left of us, reaching near the Weldon railroad. About a weeks ago, the Johnnies gave our Division quite a chase for about a mile. We we ordered that morning to advance and build a new line of works. We advanced about a mile and commenced throwing up our works. Our brigade got ours nearly completed. We were on the right of our division; the rest of the division on our left. Their works were not completed when the rebs made a sudden dash upon them, breaking through their lines and scattering therm in all directions. As soon as the firing commenced, we moved into our works, the fighting getting nearer and nearer. Soon we discovered that our line was falling back I confusion and in an instant more the Johnnies were in rear of our brigade and the bullets came thick and fast, taking us in the back. It threw our whole line into confusion in a moment.
On came the Rebs 15,000 strong, like so many bloodhounds. It was a terrible time. Every man started on his own hook. Some were so excited that threw away their knapsacks, haversacks, and everything about them that was loose. It was an awful sight to see 10,000 or 15,000 men running through the woods and brush with as many rebs after them, pouring a galling fire in from the rear.
Our Division lost 1500. Most of them were taken prisoners. We lost three out of our company. I got off very well. I did not get much excited. I carried my gun, knapsack, haversack, and all my equipment off with me. I had to run pretty smart for about half a mile until I got a little out of range of their bullets. Then I took it cool. We formed our line again as soon as we got back to our old works and were ordered to charge on the enemy and drive them back if possible. We made the charge. The enemy was driven back with but little loss on either side. Since then we have been taking it easy.
Sergt. William B. Barber who was wounded at the Battle of North Anna Bridge May 23rd died [on] June 11th at Washington D. C. I think Barber might of lived if he had had his foot amputated as soon as he was wounded. the surgeon here in the field said it ought to be cut off immediately [but] Barber thought his foot might be saved and said so much. The surgeon let him have his own way. After he got to Washington, it was amputated. He lived only a few days after. I got a warrant a few days ago making me 1st Sergeant of our company with rank from June 4th. I have been doing 1st Sergeant duty since last February. My turn will soon come for a commission if they give me a fair shake. Twenty-two new recruits were assigned to our company June 29th. I am having a busy time of it now. A few of the men who were wounded in the first fights are back. We are all anxious to move on Petersburg & Richmond though we are aware that many of us will fall by the sword.
I heard from brother George. He was all right the first of June. Col. McDougall died of wounds received in battle. I will write to Barber and Newbury soon though I do not owe them any letters.
I received the Conference Minutes & I am obliged you for your trouble. You need not send me any more stamps or paper. I can get all I need here now. We had Divine Service last Sunday in our regiment—the first we have had in the way of preaching since we left Brandy Station two months ago. We have prayer meetings occasionally. Our chaplain is here now. he has been away [ ]. he was taken prisoner in the Wilderness and was in the hands of the Rebs a few days. When I write next time, I will give you a history of our doings for the months of May and Hune in full. It is very warm and dry down here now. We have had no rain in five weeks.
I am still trying to live for God. Continue to pray for us. My love to all your family and all enquiring friends. Yours affectionately, — Jerome Sears
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