Camp Near Yorktown,
April 27, 1862.
My dear sister:
I have nothing to write especially interesting. The siege is
progressing as favourably as we could expect; daily skirmishes take place, the
results of which are unimportant, but generally favour us. Our large guns are
being put in position, and when they open, we hope for results that will enable
us to overcome all obstacles. The rain is almost incessant, rendering the roads
difficult to transport our artillery over, or our supplies. The troops are as
healthy as could be expected. In our daily skirmishing it is expected not only
casualties will take place, but more or less sickness from exposure. The papers
from New York come regularly the second day after publication. From them we
learn all the news, even what is going on in our own camp. The vile slanders
that are daily promulgated in Washington against our best officers are enough
to disgust all decent persons and take away all the zeal we have in the cause.
The statement made by a Senator concerning General Smith is as gross a lie as
was ever made. With those that know him it needs no contradiction, and none are
more incensed at the statement than those engaged in that affair. His brother
married a daughter of Cicero Collins. You may have seen him (the brother). I
never have, but I know the General well, and a cleverer man, a better soldier,
is not in the army.
We are having a cold, lingering rain; fires are burning in
camp as if it was midwinter. This delays our work, but I trust it will not be
the less sure. Ten days ought to tell the story.
Write often, and believe me, as ever,
Your affectionate brother,
J. S.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 44-5
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