Bradford Sparrow to Parents and Brothers
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I am again allowed the privilege of sending you or at least writing you another
letters. I rec'd yours dated May 21st about a week ago. I was glad to hear that
you were all well & had got one letter from me. I hope that you have got two
more by this time. I suppose that you are anxious to hear from me every day
& perhaps think that I might write oftener. It is not often that the mail
goes out. I have been very fortunate so far. I have not got a scratch yet. My
health never was so good as now, except that I am quite lame. I have got a sore
gathering on my left heel on the back my ancle is swelled considereable & I
have not wore my
only part of the time for 3 days. I think it was
caused by the heat one day when we marched up here. It has not been so
that I could see the surgeon until to day, when I got this wrote I am going to
get permision to go back to the hospital & see the surgeons. The rebs have
got a strong position here, we have drove them some & fortified so that we
can hold one ground, & are making it stronger every night, the report is
that Grant is going to seige them out. I guess it is the only way, my Com. was
on the front line yesterday. I should think that our breast works were
about 50 rods form the enemys, plain sight of each other, we
could see 2 or 3 of their battle flags, there was no fighting yesterday except
skirmishing to day we are in the rear. I have heard that Wm Swift was
not killed but wounded. A letter come to our Orderly & Seargant
yesterday saying that Ira. Grout was in Davis Hospital Alexandria sick. I had a
letter yesterday from Cousin Orlana, she said that you had been over
there, when you see her tell her that I will answer when I can but it may be a
good while first. She said that Lydia Ann was married, nothing strange I think.
I have had no letters from Mass since I left camp. I think it strange they dont
write it is Aunt Elisa's & Cousin Frances turn. I see by your last
letter that you are looking for the end of this struggle to soon. I do not wish
to discourage you but you may as well know the truth. News Paper reports
are very flattering but they are false. If Richmond
is taken in
another month Grant will do a great thing & if he does it in 2 months he
will do well. Infantry can do no harder fighting than
they have done. Artillery has got to go in for a large share now, & some
heavy seige guns at that. Coat Arbor is near the Chickahominy. I dont think of
any thing more now so I must draw to a close.
I can say nothing more than I have to relieve anxiety, se we much trust in that power that rules all things.
From your Absent
Son & BrotherB.P. Sparrow