Civil War Letter – 16th Maine Infantry, April 22, 1865 Appomattox

Civil War Letter – 16th Maine Infantry, April 22, 1865, Just Two Weeks After Appomattox 
 
This outstanding original letter was written by Albert C. Brown of the 16th Maine Infantry on April 22, 1865, while the regiment was encamped at Black & White’s Station, Virginia, along the South Side Railroad. Written only thirteen days after General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, the letter captures the mood of the Army of the Potomac in the immediate aftermath of the war’s effective end.
 
Brown informs his brother Franklin in Manchester, New Hampshire, about received supplies (suspenders arrived, handkerchiefs missing), low regimental casualties during the final campaign (“some five or six killed… two wounded in our company”), and the general idleness of the troops as they awaited discharge. He also discusses family news, including his mother’s health, an expected new sibling, and sending money home to help his parents. The letter closes with a light-hearted jab at his brother for not taking a large bounty and requests for news from home.
 
Written in clear, legible ink on a full sheet of period paper, this is a fine content letter from the final weeks of the 16th Maine’s service. Letters written in the immediate post-surrender period with reflections on the end of the war are especially desirable. An excellent addition to any 16th Maine, Appomattox, or final campaign collection.
 
Date: April 22nd, 1865
Location: Black & White's Station, Virginia Author: Albert C. Brown, 16th Maine Infantry Recipient: Franklin Brown, Manchester, New Hampshire
Context: Written just two weeks after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox
Court House (April 9, 1865), marking the effective end of the Civil War.
 
Black & White's Station Va.
Apr 22nd 1865
Dear Brother,
Your letter of the 28th of last month arrived safe to hand a few days since and I will now answer it and take a small sheet of paper so that I can fill it. Now in the first place I will inform you in regards to those articles which you sent to my address. The suspenders arrived safe to their destination, the handkerchiefs I have not received. I suppose some evil disposed persons
played out and we think also that there is a prospect of our all being discharged in the course of a few months. We have seen some pretty hard times on this campaign but feel abundantly rewarded for all of the hardships which we have undergone. The casualties in our regiment are very few, some five or six killed. We had two wounded in our company.
Hub Ham is with his company at present and is enjoying good health and spirits. I haven't seen John McGinley lately but I guess he is all right. We are
encamped at present on the South side rail road at a place called Black & White's Station and doing nothing in particular. I received a letter from Wilber yesterday. Mother's health is not very good. I think according to all accounts that we are going to have another brother or a sister. In Wilber's letter was a note from Father asking me to send him money to buy a barrel of flour - he said that his health was poor and that he had not been able to earn much the past winter. I sent him a ten dollar bill and a five to Mother for I thought she would be likely to need it now as much as at
any other time. If it was not for her I should have but very little sympathy for Father for reasons which you doubtless understand. Well if I don't look out I shall fill two sheets. My health continues to be very good and I hope that this will find you enjoying the same blessing.
Are you not mad with yourself for not taking the big bounty, you are not the only one that probably feels the same way. Remember me to Edwin & Rich and give my respects to every one who enquires for me. Write as soon as convenient.
From your affectionate Brother,
Albert C. Brown
To:
Franklin Brown
Manchester
New Hampshire
[End of Letter]