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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC08913.08 |
| From Archive Folder | Letters from Grove Bell |
| Title | Grove L. Bell to friends at home about receiving his boots and sickness in the camp |
| Date | 2 February 1863 |
| Author | Bell, Grove L. (1844-1863) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Happy to finally have received the box that he had been complaining about in his earlier letter. Box was mostly undamaged, and his boots arrived in good condition; they fit well. Had a particularly good breakfast today of sausage and fried potatoes. Various members of his regiment have been sick, and some have spent time in the hospital. Describes members of his company as "messy mice." Hopes to get a picture of himself taken to send back home so they "can see a soldier boy." Asks if they can get his [walick] fixed and sent to him. Asks if they want the box back, thinks they might need it later. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Soldier's Letter Union Soldier's Letter Union Forces Military Provisions Military Rations Military Uniforms Clothing and Accessories Diet and Nutrition Health and Medical Hospital Photography Military Camp |
| People | Bell, Grove L. (1844-1863) |
| Place written | Stafford Court House, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Health & Medicine |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Private Bell enlisted in the 20th Connecticut Infantry on August 4, 1862. He was mustered into D Company. In 1862 and 1863 the 20th Connecticut fought as part of the Army of the Potomac and saw action in Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Although Bell survived extensive action in both these battles, he died on December 4, 1863. Highlights of the collection include a letter describing his action in the battle of Gettysburg, including a harrowing experience where a shell landed within inches of his leg and descriptions of some of the wounds his comrades suffered. The letters also include Bell's doubts about the course of the war: "There [are] a few big men with scraps on their shoulders that are making all of the money. They are the ones keeping this war going." |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Friend |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 20th Connecticut Infantry |