Archive Record

Images

1 of 1977

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Metadata

Catalog Number

1805.044.06.07

Collection

Moore Letters

Object Name

Letter

Title

Letter from William W. Moore

Scope & Content

In an undated letter fragment, William W. Moore writes about a recent engagement his unit was a part of near Fredericksburg. He describes how the Confederates fired on them with shells while the Union forces tried to load up supplies over a bridge. He describes how they tried to hide the bridge with bushes to save it from a possible arson attempt by the Confederates. William goes on to say how the Union forces have started to overtake the Confederates, recounting the success of Gen. Stoneman in destroying Confederate property and transportation access. He is likely referring to Stoneman's 1863 raid that preceded the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Dates of Creation

N. D.

Date

N. D.

Notes

This letter fragment is numbered pages 5 through 6, which suggests it belonged with a longer letter that is currently unlocated. The pages are undated but are likely from late April or early May of 1863. In the letter, William discusses his unit's recent retreat from Fredericksburg as well as Gen. Hooker being in command. William also makes a reference to the feats of Gen. Stoneman, who Hooker placed in charge of a cavalry raid at the start of the Battle of Chancellorsville in April 1863.

The full transcription for this letter as follows:

[5] We are not liable to be called upon to preform such duties. but there had been a good eel [deal] said about Col. [Colonel] Stuart cowardice + c. and he wanted to prove himself otherwise which he did for he was one of the first to enter the [Boat]. I felt a little excited at first but soon got over it an took it as cool as a "Cucumber." Every thing seemed to be going on splendidly until Monday night when the 11th Army Corps Broke and our forces began to fall back. The Rebels got range with them Batteries upon our Brigade and shelled us terribly but fortunately did not injure any of us excepting a [Sergt.] one of the 15th Regt. [Regiment] of our Brigade a shell struck him in the side and tore him all to pieces. We took up the bridge and placed it in a [reveine] covered it with brush they were shelling so that we could not get them loaded and we exposed to Burn there [page break] [6] that night. but Gen [General] Hooker ordered that we should save them at all [hazards]. We had two regt. [regiment] of Infentry [Infantry] to help load them. The Rebs [Rebels] did not open upon us again so we got them all up nicely. Our Camp was right in range of their shots, You better believe we got out of that, back into the woods in quick time. We began marching back to our old camp Tuesday night. "Oh" it was raining very hard and it was dark and very muddy which made it very tedious. we reached camp after midnight. Aall about [played] out for we had [been] to work almost night and day every since we started.
"We cannot call ourselves whiped [whipped]" The Rebels have sufferd [suffered] as badly if not worse than we have here at Fredericksburg the dead fairly laid [by] heaps. [no] doubt that if we had held out a little longer that we would of drove them. for according to all accounts they were retreating all but those that were making such a [dash] on our right. "Would that it had of been so" Gen [General] Stoneman done some splendid work in distroying [destroying] Bridges, Rail Roads + c didn't he. I was talking with one of his men he said that it was a complete success they were within two [miles] of Richmond inside of the first intrenchments [entrenchments] if he had only of known how it was situated he might of taken it if he had, and our troops here had of known it soon they would of went in. We keep three days cooked rations.
ahead and expect to move again at a moments warning. Gen [General] ; [Ardely] just said that "by all appearances" that he would not wonder if we started before night. Gen [General] Hooker says that he will drive them out of here of pierce himself though with his own sword. He is good Blood I shall have to close in order to send this mail by asking assistance from all of you in "praising God" for being so merciful in sparing my life + health I remain as ever
Your Aff [Affectionate] Bro. [Brother]
W. W. Moore
[Written upside down at the top of page 5] Oh "I dreamed of dear little Georgie last night it seemed so natural I thought that I was learning him how to be a Soger Boy + c how I wish I could once more behold his lovely little face. I wish that I had time to write him a separate litter [letter]. [he] must take his share of this. I received Mollies letter yesterday also her photograph put me in mind of home. Give my love to Ant [Aunt] Sarah also remember me kindly to all.
"To dear ones at home"

Extent of Description

1 leaf, 4.75" x 8"

Relation

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Legal Status

On loan from the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia.