Item No. 5933790

Lieutenant Mathias E. Richards wrote this letter to his father on the battlefield near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 18, 1864—a day in which the entire Army of the Potomac had been ordered to attack the Confederate works east of the city, thought to be defended by a few thousand rebels under General. P. G. T. Beauregard. Richards, a lawyer from Pottsville who had originally served with the 25th Pennsylvania (3-mos) and the 96th Pennsylvania, was then an aide on the staff of Brigadier General Joseph J. Bartlett, a brigade commander in the 5th Corps.

The 5th Corps had crossed over the James River the previous day and marched west to join the other Union corps in the advance on Petersburg, capturing much ground that the rebels abandoned as they shortened their defensive line. On June 18 Bartlett’s Brigade had been held in reserve during the main attack, which—like the other corps—had failed to achieve their objective. Much of the line the 5th Corps had attacked had been defended by newly arrived rebel reinforcements from the Army of Northern Virginia. Richards writes:

As you see by the heading, we have crossed the James River and are now paying our attention to Richmond. Your letter, mailed the 13th, was received today on the field. We have had considerable desultory fighting today, but have not lost many men. There was harder fighting yesterday, and we drove the Rebs a considerable distance, driving them out of their breastworks with great loss to them, but considerable to us. They are now in a strong, very strong position, and I do not know what the result will be tomorrow. Perhaps another flank movement. We can do as much mischief to Richmond by circling around it at a distance of 20 miles, cutting their communications, &c., as if we had the city itself. If we cut off their main railroads, they are bound to come out and attack us, which is what we want. Or they must evacuate the city. The army is in splendid health and spirits, plenty of rations, and have the greatest confidence in their generals, and must win in the end. It may take some time, but I look upon the result as certain.

Richards was right about what the next move would be. The 2nd and 6th Corps would move around the left flank to cut the Weldon Railroad on June 21, but would be routed at the Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road.

He then remarks upon his health and condition:

I have enjoyed excellent health all the time, except occasional diarrhea and the fact that we have only seen our baggage once since the 1st of May—I changed my clothes for the first time since May 1st on the 2nd day of June, and have not had another chance since. And don’t know when I will have.

In his closing paragraph Richards writes:

We are facing the enemy as usual. We have driven him out of several lines of works, but he falls back into others ready prepared. Our artillery can now shell the town, which is in sight.

The letter was written on both sides of a 4” x 6 1/4” single letter sheet. Excellent condition. Creased at the original folds. Included is the original transmittal cover with 3-cent stamp and Washington postmark. The full transcript appears below.

June 18th 1864
Battlefield, 1 mile from Petersburg, Va
Hd Qrs, 3rd Brig, 1st Division, 5th Corps

Dear Father
As you see by the heading, we have crossed the James River and are now paying our attention to Richmond. Your letter, mailed the 13th, was received today on the field. We have had considerable desultory fighting today, but have not lost many men. There was harder fighting yesterday, and we drove the Rebs a considerable distance, driving them out of their breastworks with great loss to them, but considerable to us. They are now in a strong, very strong position, and I do not know what the result will be tomorrow. Perhaps another flank movement. We can do as much mischief to Richmond by circling around it at a distance of 20 miles, cutting their communications, &c., as if we had the city itself. If we cut off their main railroads, they are bound to come out and attack us, which is what we want. Or they must evacuate the city. The army is in splendid health and spirits, plenty of rations, and have the greatest confidence in their generals, and must win in the end. It may take some time, but I look upon the result as certain.

I have enjoyed excellent health all the time, except occasional diarrhea and the fact that we have only seen our baggage once since the 1st of May—I changed my clothes for the first time since May 1st on the 2nd day of June, and have not had another chance since. And don’t know when I will have.

We are facing the enemy as usual. We have driven him out of several lines of works, but he falls back into others ready prepared. Our artillery can now shell the town, which is in sight. I received today the Harpers Weekly, as well as the Press. It is very warm and oppressive. No rain at this month so far.
Give my love to all.
Your affec. son
M. E. Richards

June 19th. I find this letter cannot be mailed until tomorrow the 20th, and add this line to give you an additional day.

P.S. I saw Capts Mintzer & Hubert 3 days ago. Both well.