Tuesday July 27th 1862
Dear Martha
Yours of the 22nd reached me this morn. Found me well and in my usual good sprits. Was glad to hear that all were well at home. I have been busy all day and have but little time to write so you must excuse a short letter and poor writing. I have been in charge of some men at work in the woods today and have just been relieved. It is now 3 oclock and the mail goes at 5. You may think we ought to lie still on Sundays but the soldiers has no real Sunday. We will get up in the mornings and clean up, get in shape to rest, but soon the Adjutant will send us orders for an Officers and so many men. Sombody has to go and today it fell on me; but when I am obliged to do duty on the Sabath I do not call it a sin: you ask if I can tell you who I felt when face to face with the enemy and under fire. I can tell you if I ever get home, Capt Tapley says he is perfectly satisfied with my courage and coolness. He was by my side nearly all the time during the engagement: when a ball struck a cabridge that I held between my thumb and finger in the act of putting it into my gun I thought it came rather near Frank. But I soon had another one raining down in its place and on the road to Mr Rebel: Well Martha it was quite amusing to see the different ways the Rebs had of tumbling down after receiving our leaden pills, some would settle right down some would jump into the air, some would run a few steps and some fall. This whole length on this face. You may think it a queer subject of jest about as I will admit that it is but really if you could see you might judge for yourself about the amusing part but enough of this: I am glad you have lots of company for if you worry as I imagine you do it must be churing(?) to you: we are here yet at Harrison Landing and are likely to stay here for a while. I think till fall. All is quiet in front. No ?? on either side of any account and hope there won't be very soon as its awful hot just now: we are having the warmest of the season now. I think if I stand it until Sept I shall get along well. The health of our Co and Reg't is very good. But few in hospital compared with other troops about here. Lerint Eastman is quite unwell, the climate does not agree with him at all. Should not be surprised if he had to resign and go home. Sepley and Hopkins are well and speak of Cal Marsh. It is all that you say about hime. We miss him and that sadly: but to murmur will make it to no better, he is gone and my the blessing of his country go with him. I read the order of his funeral services by the way of Leile she reiterated some about it alos sent (??)
[signature missing] letter was written by W F Baldwin
envelope addressed
Mrs C H Baldwin
Hogansburgh
NY