This Civil War letter was written by William Jackson Fraser (1835-1910), the son of Wm. J. Fraser (1801-1877) and Catherine McCollum (1802-1875) of New Ephrata [later renamed “Lincoln”], Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. William served initially in Co. C of the 195th Pennsylvania Volunteers (100 days Unit). These troops served from 24 July 1864 to 4 November 1864. Following this, William served in Co. B, 195th Pennsylvania Infantry (1 Year Unit) which was not mustered out until June 1865.
William Jackson Fraser in his GAR Uniform
William identified himself as a “watchmaker” in the 1860 US Census, following the trade of his father—an early-day “clock maker” in Lancaster county, having learned the trade in Philadelphia from Solomon Park.
TRANSCRIPTION
Camp at Charlestown, Va,
March 28th 1865
Dear Parents,
As I intimated in a few few lines written at the upper margin of a “Baltimore American” of the 23rd inst., we left our delightful quarters at Kearneysville on the 25th, going to Martinsburg for the purpose of joining the other companies (new and old) preparatory to forming the regiment. We left camp quite hastily and reached Martinsburg in good time and found the most of the boys enjoying excellent health and quite glad to see us. The questions some put to us as we entered camp were quite amusing—such as: “Did you’uns enlist for our regiment? Being invariably answered with: “No, it was you that enlisted for ours.” Many of us had the pleasure of sleeping with our friends in the new companies. All of “our bunk” were accommodated at Capt. [Edwin I.] Faust’s quarters.
The next morning, after several delays, we started for this place marching by nearly the same road that we took in going up (to Martinsburg). Some of the boys were in no very amiable mood thereat but you know that that made very little difference to those in command. We reached here some time before sundown—the Col. not wishing to march hard. The distance marched is about 16 or 18 miles and was quite fatiguing because of the great quantities of clothing carried by most of us. We were encamped outside or rather west of the town.
The country is very beautiful—all apparently one vast plain. Not a vestige of a fence to be seen and roads are run across anywhere. Wood is somewhat scarce. Good water, however, is plenty. This place is made more interesting from the fact of its being the place where “Old John Brown” was hung several years ago. If they did kill him, “his spirit” is still marching on.
Col. [William L.] Bear has command of us for the present, [Joseph W.] Fisher being absent at Martinsburg on a “Court of Inquiry.” I understand he is to have the command of a Brigade of which we are to form a part. The forces here are under the immediate command of Gen. Eagen (Gen. Hancock commands Department) and are kept under very strict discipline. Close to our camp is a camp of nearly a hundred “bounty jumpers” who are very closely guarded and will be sent to the immediate front before long. They deserted mostly from New York regiments—one of which [192nd New York] is to be in our brigade. I hope, however, it may prove untrue as I have no particular desire to be joined to the New Yorkers.
The new recruits are doing exceedingly well making great progress in drill, drawing praise—if it is unwilling—from the older troops. I think we will have a fine regiment after a short time, becoming a little more accustomed to each other. We are in very good health, have plenty to eat—drew very good, fresh bread and sugar—having three days rations given to us free—our time for drawing would not have arrived before the last of the month.
The weather is variable—quite March-like. Yesterday [was] disagreeable. Today very fine. Next I suppose we have rain.
Hoping these few lines may reach you in as good health and spirits as it leaves me. I beg to remain your affectionate son &c. My love to all the family. — W. J. Fraser
Co. B, 195th P.V.
P. S. I get over into [Edwin I.] Faust’s company [Co. G] nearly every day or evening. They are all getting along finely. — W. J. F.
P. S. Letters for this regiment should be directed as before—or to Washington D. C. and they will follow us.
TERMS