[Samuel Hodgman letter, September 30, 1863, United States Civil War] : electronic edition

[page 1]

Head Qrs 7th Mich Vols
Near Raccoon Ford Va. Raccoon Ford (Va.) Sept 30./63

Dear Mother

I am very busy just now
with my monthly and Quarterly
returns, but I will squeeze out
enough time to let you know
what I am about. In looking over
my letters received at New York
I find one from Rev T Z R. Jones Jones, T. Z. R.
I do not know as the letter requires
an answer still I will try and
write one as soon as I can
Give him my thanks, and
through him to the Baptist
Church for their remembrance
I am the only one left of the six
who went from Climax Climax (Mich.) in the 7th United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 7th (1861-1865) I suppose
McFarlin McFarlin, Hulet P. is alive thanks to
long legs but I dont want to
be in his shoes. I hope Clem
will have to come in this

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draft. Also a lot of the Pierces
It would do me good to "break
them in." I saw Angelo Chadsey Chadsey, Angelo W.
a short time ago He was well
I only spoke with him as I was
riding along at the head of
the regiment. He told me that
James Geddes Geddes, James M., d. 1863 had died of
Typhoid fever- I did not learn
where or when. I also saw Spencer
Harrison Harrison, Spencer as we were passing -
only had time, to say "how
are you" - "where's the rest of the
boys?" We were there expecting
to have a brush in a short
time. Our pickets and those
of the enemy are quite sociable
drinking coffee together and
exchanging papers, but so
many conscripts have made
use of the chance to desert that
orders were issued to day to
shoot without challenge any
one of our men who should be
seen in front of the outposts

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and no communication is allowed
with the enemy except by flag of
truce and then only through an
officer appointed for the purpose
The 11th United States. Army of the Potomac. Corps, 11th & 12th Corps United States. Army of the Potomac. Corps, 12th have been
sent to reinforce our Armies
in the west and to help
Rosecrans Rosecrans, William S. (William Starke), 1819-1898 I suppose. Attention
seems to be drawn quite strongly
that way at present. How is
Copperheadism in Climax Climax (Mich.) & how
do they like the drafts?
I wrote the other day to father
to send some boots & sent him
the measures. They are wanted
just as soon as he can get them
here by express. I would like to have
that coat that I left cleaned & the
straps taken off and sent to me
with the boots. I must now close
Remember me to all friends
Love to all

Your affectionate son

Saml C. Hodgman Hodgman, Samuel Chase, 1831-1900