December 17, 1862
Wednesday [December] 17th, 1862
My Dear Wife:
I now take the first opportunity of writing to you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Hoping that these will find you the same enjoying good health as it leaves me at present.
But oh, God! If you have only been here at the battle on Saturday last. It would have opened the eyes of a dead man. The battle opened on the 11th day of December. It was the 57[th] Regiment that went in first and [the] 66[th] Reg[iment] that took it all that morning. They opened fire at ½ past 4 o’clock on us. We are all cut up. [Michael] Wallace he was killed dead on the field. They have not buried the dead yet. They are still firing away yet. Oh, it was awful to see yet. They hope they will come out alright. Our Reg[iment] is pretty well cut up.
The night before the Battle of Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg I ran a nail into my foot which saved me from going into the field, but it was just as bad where I was. I was sent here with the rest and I will remain here ‘til my foot gets better and then return to my Regiment.
[General Samuel] Zook’s Brigade went in with 18 hundred and came out with 6 hundred men that was fit for Duty. The city is all riddled to pieces. I got some flour over there and made some bread and some potatoes.
I saw Tom Sayers and Dan [Blanchard?] and all the rest. They have not been in any battle yet. They are alright at present.
I have not got much new to send you at present. We are getting a good bed and plenty to eat and drink. I shot 59 rounds of cartridges and had the last one in my gun when we got relieved.
No more at present, but remain your affectionate husband,
John Bryden, Jr.
My love to all; the same to you. I will write soon again when we get settled here.
Direct your letter
John Bryden
Campbell Hospital
Washington, DC
John Bryden, Jr.
Written in ink on 8.5” x 10” landscape-ruled rag paper, folded along the short axis to for a four-page signature. Oval watermark.
