Franklin County: James A. Harman to Martin W.
Carman, December 17, 1862
Summary:
Lieutenant James Carman writes to his father Martin W. Carman about the Battle of
Fredericksburg, the lateness of his pay, and his desire to resign from the
army.
Wednesday December 17th 1862
Camp on the Rappahannock Virginia
Dear Father
I received Your letter of the 23rd of November. I was glad to hear from You, and that You were all well. But Father Since I received Your letter there has been another great battle over the river I was in it and came out unhurt indeed I have escaped Wonderfully. Although there was but one Officer in our regiment Wounded our Brigade was in the fight all day until 3 o'clock. I think it was the greatest Battle of the war, there was two hundred thousand troops on each Side, our loss is heavy, about twelve thousand in Killed wounded and missing. Our line of Battle was 7 miles in length. "Just to think of it."
Father, I never want to get into another battle it is terrible Persons falling all around me. if I ever trusted in God I did that time the fight was on last Saturday the 13rd" instant. We went over the river the 12th. The rebels have too Strong a point there to rout them as they have all the hills and have breastworks thrown up, so it is impossible to whip them behind their works consequently we have fell back on this side of the river. The 107th" done its duty like men it has great praise for its gallantry.
Father, I Saw the Safe Harbor boys Pickel &
Cline Young's son Just a few days before the Battle. it is Said the reserves
lost greatly in the fight I have not seen them since. The Weather is now getting
very cold the army is Suffering on account of the cold We laid out in the open fields and woods without tents or eny other
Shelter for nearly one week before the Battle on frost and snow Whilst the Stay at home party were enjoying their good
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warm beds. I wish we had them down here
with us for one week they would be Satisfied.
Father if my resignation would be accepted I would resign right away but there has been some half dozen Sent in from our regiment but they were all sent back but one. therefore it is no use for me to try it. My hopes we will go into winter quarters about the first of the Year. our Paymaster has never Shown his face Yet. it is too bad on the first of January there will be six months pay due me ($600.63.) I think the next muster we will get it which is on the 1st of January.
I am enjoying good health but I would Sooner be at home I feel now that I have done my duty and would like to See Some others do theirs.
I received a letter from Margaret with her likeness a week or two ago. also one from William & Sarah. I have not received none from Francis Since You wrote I will write to him again perhaps he does not get my letters. I direct them as I did always.
Give my love to Susan Cornelius & all the rest and if I can get home I assure You I will come. Hoping You all are well
I remain ever
your son
J. A. Harman, Lieutenant, Company E. 107th" Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers
