On the road to Gettysburg: "Be at home soon now if nothing happens. "

In June, 1863 a Confederate army of 75,000 men marched through the Shenandoah Valley into southern Pennsylvania. The Army of the Potomac, numbering 90,000 and now commanded by General George G. Meade, moved to check Lee's advance.


Union Mills June 25th 1863

Dear Lettie

We are all packed and just on another start and have just time to write a word. The last I wrote you a note we were just on a start to guard a Ford on Cedar Run Mill. We just as I said started until last night when we had orders to withdraw our picket and report to this place at once which we did, arriving about half past one o'clock this morning.

I traveled some 20 miles yesterday and last night and feel first rate today better fitted for another march than so I had lazed in camp until now.

It is now most noon and I have working just as hard as I can jump every since morning getting ready. Have given up all my stuff except a shirt, pair stockings, blanket and a few other things.

We have been transferred to the Army of Potomac 1st Corps under command of Genl. Reynolds. The whole brigade goes and we expect a lively campaign but it will be short -- less than a month.

It is expected we march at once. We are only waiting for 12th & 13th to come up. Shall write often as I can but you must not expect many when on such marches.

I feel first rate, had as well go there as any where for a short time. I don’t think there is much doubt but what we shall have fun soon.

George has got better and is going to Alexandria with some Express boxes today and follow us tomorrow or next day.

Read your kind letter of the 18th inst. this morning when I arrived in camp which I read with much pleasure before retiring. I have no time to notice its contents.

Don’t worry about me but think me all right and be happy. Be at home soon now if nothing happens. I shall think of you every minute and love you always. Let me hug and kiss you again and again as I bid you good bye my darling one.

Affectionately,
Elmer


Captain Elmer Duane Keyes, Company H, 16th Vermont Regiment, Letter from Union Mills, June 25, 1863

"We lived on excitement"

Camp near Gettysburg - July

My ever dear Lettie:

This is probably the most welcome message that you ever received from me. I have time to write but few words. This is the first opportunity I have had. I have been engaged nearly all the time for the past few days in one of the worst battles this continent ever knew.

We are all well except Floyd, who went to the hospital this morn. None of us were hurt in battle but Floyd is all tired out, but think he will be all right when he gets rested. 2 out of my company were killed and 7 wounded. A spent-ball struck me, knocking me down but I got right up again madder than ever. E.T. Davis of Felchville was killed. O such scenes such scenes.

I cannot write now but will if ever I get time. I am sitting on the battlefield now and there is a man here who says he will try and get this to some P.O. He is waiting, I must close.

We have suffered for want of food on the long march and the fight. I haven't had a mite of clothing on me night or day except my Blouse & Pants for 3 days and nights and slept right in the mud without a tent or a sign of anything. We lived on excitement for two days certain for I didn't eat more than two or three hard tacks all the time.

We won a great victory and are now following the enemy. I counted 115 dead Rebels today on a piece of ground 4 rods square. The troops have all left, except the W. Brigade. We are burying the Rebs now and shall leave as soon as we get done. Our Reg't won the admiration of all for its gallantry, having captured 3 stand of colors and lots of prisoners.

I will write again as soon as I possibly get time. From your loving husband, Elmer

Captain Elmer Duane Keyes, Company H, 16th Vermont Regiment, Letter from Gettysburg Battlefield, July 4, 1863