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5084 — CIVIL WAR - BATTLE OF COLD HARBOR. The Battle of Cold Harbor was a Civil War battle that took place in Mechanicsville Virginia from May 31 – June 12 1864. A major Union defeat in which thousands of Union soldier died it was one of the bloodiest battles in American history. ALS. 2pgs. June 25 1864. Camp near Petersburg Virginia in a field near a Barn. An autograph letter signed “Charles†by a Union soldier. Charles wrote home to his family shortly after the disastrous Union defeat at Cold Harbor and references the carnage he saw: “My Dear Parents Brothers and Sisters Once more I write you a few lines. I am still alive and well more than every line that reaches parents will read. So think you all ought to feel thankful if you read a line from me these days. I never saw so many men killed in my life as have seen through this campaign awful hard fighting so far harder than ever was known I think. Did you get my box or rather my things I sent with Johnsons box if you did keep my coat for I shall want to see it when I come home. I got Harrisons letter he says you are having quite dry times there cannot be any moreso than we have had no rain since we came into the field dusty as can be. I wish we could have a little rain for it would be much more pleasant marching thru so much dust. Our Regiment still stays at the front only a few of them left – 2 of our musicians have gone one wounded and one killed. I am glad to learn of you all being well. Mother have you not written me since I left Point Lookout have not had any from you. I hope you will write me soon and often tell Georgey to write me often and also Father you know I cannot write so often as I could last winter. I will not write to any one only you. Tell Lizzie and Addison to write me I will not write any more this time write soon and often goodby sic from your true son. Charles I think I shall not be able to come home until next spring as the Colonel is wounded and gone home and cannot help me.†The letter is in fair condition; the writing is very light and there is a part of the blank third page missing that affects no text. A typed transcript is included. unknown books