UNION SOLDIER LETTER [1863 MINE RUN CAMPAIGN] - CORPORAL JAMES BLAKE, 22ND MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY; WOUNDED IN ACTION AT LAUREL HILL, VA, 5/10/1864

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Dated “On Picket…Dec. 8, 1863.” Addressed to “Friend.” 4 pp. in pencil on lined paper, 5” x  8.  Exhibits fold-marks, chipping lower rear corner, while remaining entirely legible.

James Blake was a resident of San Francisco, CA, a 36 year-miner, who enlisted as a Private, mustering into Co. “E”, 22nd Massachusetts Infantry, 7/16/1863. He was promoted to Corporal, 6/19/1863, and WIA at Laurel Hill, VA., 5/10/1864; deserting from the Hospital deserted 6/19/1864.

In this letter Blake provides excellent content concerning the 1863 Mine Run Campaign, and the final assault cancelled by General Meade.

Text:

“….Since I wrote last we have been across the Rapidan and showed fight to Lee’s Army. But they fell back until they came to their works which were very strong indeed. We had some fighting on our Left and Right. Our Corps was in the Centre. On the road our train was attacked by Guerrilas about ½ mile from our Regiment our Company and two others were sent back Double Quick after them and drove them off and retook all the wagons except 3 or 4 and killed a few of the.

When we were in front of the Rebel works we got orders in the evening that we had to charge on the works the next morning at daylight at 3 O’clock and put our knapsacks in a pile together. Each company and left one man to guard them. We were marched then around to a piece of woods in front of the rebs and drawn up in line. You could see the Rebs as thick as bees around a hive. About Daylight Gen. Mead came and took a good look at the works with some other Generals [including Gen G.K. Warren] and I believe they thought that we would lose more men than there was any need for. And another thing, the roads were bad from rains so that we could not haul provisions. So we fell Back Again.

Our Brigade is near Beverly Ford on the Rappahannock. Doing Picket Dutty. But how long will we stop here I don’t know. We are bad off for Stuler’s store s for the present. But they will be along in a few days. They charge treble price for Anything but we must have some few things. The wether is very cold here at present, ice every night.

I wish you would them gloves by mail as we do not get any thing by express yet but will in a few days. A good knit pair that comes well up on the Wrist. The Boots I think had better come by express and some other things that I want to send for. I think that sale boots will be just as good out here for Virginia mud….

About that 18 dollar watch I wish you would mention whose make it is and how many holes jeweled it is. Is it necessary for me to send my measure for the Sale Boots….I have not seen Cassius lately but hope soon to see him. We expect to winter here. They are commencing to put up cabins Already. But some thinks that we will fall back to Fairfax or Centerville. So no  more at present. But remain your humble servant. Send a few stamps / James Blake / Co. E, 22 Mass.

Excellent 22nd Mass. Infy collectible, solid “Mine Run commentary. In protective sleeve.  [jp] [ph:L]

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