Item No. 6163637

In this August 1864 letter written to his friend Amanda King, Corporal John G. Cottrell, a member of the 86th New York Infantry and lifelong resident of Almond, New York, writes about the Second Battle of Deep Bottom and life in the Petersburg trenches. Near the beginning of the letter Cottrell writes, “I think you will have a nice time gathering hops, & if I was one of the boys I think I would like it better than being in a place where we have to keep down our heads to keep from being hit with shot or shell (we have to now).” This is followed by a passage in which Cottrell coyly responds to a question Amanda had asked—whether Cottrell had married “Susan.” (Records indicate Cottrell married Susanna Vincent in 1867.)

Cottrell next writes of war news, his regiment having just returned to camp following the Second Battle of Deep Bottom:

Since I last wrote we have been across James River again. We had quite a severe skirmish. Three of our Regt were wounded. We came back the night of the 19th. Marched through rain & mud about 20 miles, where we are now. We have holes dug in the ground. Poles are then placed over the holes & covered with dirt. Then there is little holes left in the sides, & those miserable places we have to crawl into when the Rebs throw over their shells. They shelled very hard today. It is anything but pleasant to be in such a situation where we are liable to be killed at any time.

Near the close of the letter he writes, “I don’t expect to be home very soon.”

The letter was written upon three pages of a 4-page letter sheet measuring about 5” x 8”. Excellent condition with light toning. Creased at the original folds. Includes the original postal cover with 3-cent stamp and Old Point Comfort postmark. The full transcript appears below.

Camp of 86th Regt N.Y. V. Vols
In trenches near Petersburg, Va
Aug 21st, 1864

Friend Amanda
I rec’d your ever welcome letter last eve & was glad to hear from you again. Your welcome “good morning John” made me laugh & feel in good spirits once more. I don’t know what I would do if I did not get letters from my friends. Well, I think I would get lonesome almost to death. I think you will have a nice time gathering hops, & if I was one of the boys I think I would like it better than being in a place where we have to keep down our heads to keep from being hit with shot or shell (we have to now).

Now about those questions. Well, I will agree to one thing. You ask if I was married, &c., & said when you was out to Almond you saw Susan & asked her something about it. But you will not tell me what she said. Now if you will tell me what she said, I’ll tell you all about it. Is this not fair? I think I can year you say yes. If you think so just tell me all about it. Then I will tell you the rest. That I have agreed to, & that is more than everyone knows. But I think you would not tell anyone what I write you. I don’t wish you to, & have confidence in you that you will not.

Since I last wrote we have been across James River again. We had quite a severe skirmish. Three of our Regt were wounded. We came back the night of the 19th. Marched through rain & mud about 20 miles, where we are now. We have holes dug in the ground. Poles are then placed over the holes & covered with dirt. Then there is little holes left in the sides, & those miserable places we have to crawl into when the Rebs throw over their shells. They shelled very hard today. It is anything but pleasant to be in such a situation where we are liable to be killed at any time.

I suppose you will go to school this winter. Perhaps to Alfred Centre. I have been expecting to hear of your going there. I get letters from George & Martin now & I am very glad to hear from them. I would like to be at home if Geo is out Christmas. But I don’t expect to be home very soon. But hope to see all my friends again. Write often to your friend
John

Amanda
My respects to all