Charles C. Morey to his parents describing in detail his march from Cold Harbor - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

Keyboard Shortcuts

The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC03523.18.14
From Archive Folder	Collection of Charles C. Morey, E company, 2nd regiment, Vermont, infantry
Title	Charles C. Morey to his parents describing in detail his march from Cold Harbor
Date	19 June 1864
Author	Morey, Charles Carroll (fl. 1830-1865)
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Writes from camp outside of the city of Petersburg. References General Ulysses S. Grant's suggestion to consolidate regiment into six companies. Describes, in detail, the troops' five-day march from Cold Harbor to present location. Expects hard fighting at Petersburg. Comments on fighting of African American soldiers: "The negro troops were engaged yesterday and did splendid service they are just as good soldiers as we have in the field they are well disciplined and make a good appearance and command the respect of the white soldiers…"
Subjects	Civil War Military History Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Soldier's Letter Travel Union General Battle Battle of Petersburg African American History African American Troops Confederate States of America
People	Morey, Charles Carroll (fl. 1830-1865) Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885)
Place written	s.l.
Theme	African Americans; The American Civil War
Sub-collection	Papers and Images of the American Civil War
Additional Information	Charles C. Morey enlisted as a Corporal on 22 April 1861 (mustered into E Company on 20 June 1861), and was promoted to Full Sergeant on 10 February 1862. The following December he was promoted to Full Sergeant 1st Class and on 31 January 1864 reenlisted in the Union Army. He was promoted twice during 1864, first to Full Lieutenant 1st Class (20 June) and then to Full Captain (24 June 24-effective 31 January 1865). He was wounded in battle at Charles Town, West Virginia (21 August 1864), and killed at Petersburg, Virginia on 2 April 1865.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
Civil War: Recipient Relationship	Mother Father
Civil War: Theater of War	Main Eastern Theater
Civil War: Unit	2nd Vermont infantry, E company
Transcript	Show/hide Camp of the 200,,Vt. Vols. June 19th ./64 Dear Parents One week ago to day I wrote you a short letter and told you that I had not reseived the hat but that night when the mail came in the hat came with it, It is just what I wanted and has done good service already. We are situated within sight of the city of Petersburg and are just now in the rear resting, and the Officers and men whose time expires tomorrow have been taken out and will go to the rear to night. My health is good and am getting along nisely. Genl. Grant thinks that the regiment will have to be consolidated in to 6 companies but nothing has been desided upon as yet Sgt. Hayward goes away and that leaves one in command of the company. We [2] marched from [Coal] harbor last Sunday night and at dark on Monday night we crossed the Chickahominy river and camped near its banks for the night then went on to Charles City C.H. and camped during the remainder of the day and night then the next morning we moved our line about one mile nearer the river and rested until the next day then we moved about one mile still nearer the river and camped through the day, (this was Thursday) and at night we crossed the James river on a Pontoon bridge and marched all night and on Friday we arrived at our present position and went on picket were relieved last night and came in to camp and have laid quiet all day so far. The bridge across the James consisted of 101 Pontoons of 20 feet span and some [3] of it was build without boats Petersburg is not taken yet and I think we have got hard fighting to do before we get it, we have the three first lines of their works but they hold us at bay as yet. The negro troops were engaged yesterday and did splendid servise they are just as good soldiers as we have in the field they are well disciplined and make a good appearance and command the respect of the white soldiers. I have not received any letters from you since the one dated June 6th,, which I answered one week ago today. I think of nothing more to write so will close Please remember me to all the family and friends and write soon and remember your son in the army of Potomac C.C. Morey

Previous Item Next Item