Franklin County: Franklin Rosenbery to Rosenbery,
John Abraham (father) and probably Mary Jane Snider (Franklin's stepmother),
February 14, 1864
Summary:
Rosenbery discusses strategy for crossing the Rapidan River and describes the
attempt to implement that strategy. Rosenbery anticipates heavy fighting in the
summer; he does not believe he will be able to return home after only nine
months of service. As in earlier letters, he still waits for his repaired watch
from home, and he also is still waiting to get paid.
February 14, 1864
Camp Near Stepheansburg, Virginia
Dear Father and Step Mother-
I seat myself to inform you that your letter came to hand a few days ago.
I was glad to hear that you were all well. I am well at this time. Hoping that these few lines may find you all enjoying excellent health. I have not much to write if I were at home I could talk more than I can write here for you would ask questions and I would try and answer them.
On the 6th of this month we went out reconnitering. We went down to the Rapidan River.
We lay as a support. This is our Division. While the 3rd Division was taken across the river by General Hays. He was supposed to be drunk and I do not doubt it in the least.
General Warren has ordered General Hays to advance to the river and no further. The object in view was to relieve the Cavalry Picket and draw the attention of the rebels while General Kilpatrick would make a raid in order to give the rebels a chance to throw down arms and come over then that wished.
And others said it was to draw their attention while General Butler would try to release our prisoners at Richmond.
Be this as it may it looked like a very foolish thing to me that General Hays would take his men across the river in front of their artillery knowing at the same time that we could not get our artillery near enough to play on theirs.
The 3rd Division had to march by the flank while the rebels mowed them down with grape and shell.
As far as I can learn the report states that there is 250 men killed, wounded and missing. But this I do not believe. I hope that it is not so many but I fear that it is worse.
The engagement took place on Saturday 6th-Hays crossed in the morning. Then recrossed in the evening on the night we returned to camp.
I look for hard fighting this summer. I wrote a letter to Abraham and Ashway some time ago. I have received no answer as yet.
I fear that it is libelous about my getting home when my 9 months are up. Well, it shall not trouble me if I live I will get home some time.
Well, I wrote Brother John a letter some time ago. I wonder if he has got it.
I have sent a ring in a letter to Rachel that I made and I sent her a memorial.
I would like to have my watch if ever slow motion get its finished.
Well, write soon and I will write as often as I can. So farewell for this time.
Yours Truly
Franklin Rosenbery
I have no post stamps.
I can't tell when I will get
paid. I will send a certificate home as soon as I
can.
