Charles McCracken, 12th C.V.I., March 29, 1865

Charles McCracken, 12th C.V.I., March 29, 1865

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1865)

Copperhead movement

Charles McCracken writes to his brother William about the end stages of the war, the prospects for reconciliation, and Northern recalcitrance.

1865-03-29

Virginia
Camp at Blockhouse near
Summit point, March 22nd, 1865
My dear Brother
I improve a few moments,
to write you. I trust you will excuse all neglect
on my part for not writing before this time
for it is not because I have forgotten you. No,
I shall always remember you and feel a lively
interest in your welfare. Since I left home
I have had much trial + hardship + quite a
sick spell but now am much better
+ have been improving for sometime
So that now my breath is tolerable good.
I am about as I was when at home. I shall
never forget the very pleasant visit we had
together. when I was at home last fall + you
must give my love + respect to your faithful
companion + my good wishes to all our
friends. We are now Quartered at the Block
house which we built the past winter which
affords protection for 52 men with muskets.
it is about 50 ft square + brick very strong
+ solid + is calculated to resist even the fire

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of artillery. it is surrounded with a deep
ditch + then has at 4 rods distance a hedgework
very thick so that nothing can get through
I expect that we shall remain here for some
time + perhaps all summer. I hope we shall
remain here for the rest of the time the
War may last there is some prospect now
of its coming to a close before long the
enemy seem to have arrived into the
last ditch + I think are about ready to
succumb. The idea of a Southern Confederacy
has vanished + there is nothing left but
the gaudy bubble which is ready to burst.
What will the Copperheads do now for
material for their cause + how will they receive
the chastisement over the back of Southern
Chivalry. When Old Abe shall have brought
the proud Southerners to their bended knees
pleading to return to his bosom + when
he shall have grasped the scepter anew
over the whole of the United States + when
he shall have brought every rebel to kiss the rod
I think they have sufficient cause to hide
their heads with shame when they see that
government they have so proudly set at
defiance rising higher + still higher among
the family of nations. for me I am proud of

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the part I have taken + that I can say that I
never have done one act of disloyalty to the
best government the world ever saw but what
little I have done + what little influence I have
had has been thrown in the scab for the country
+ our government + I can return with the proud
satisfaction of knowing that I have contributed
towards putting down the greatest Rebellion
the world ever saw + I humbly trust I shall be
permitted to return + meet you all again + see
a united country once more though it may
be tattered + torn by terrible War oh may our
prayers for war to cease be answered + peace
over men return + bless our land.
But my Dear Brother I must close + I hope
+ pray these times will find you all well
+ in the enjoyment of health + happiness + I
trust you will write me in answer soon +
direct it to Co. B 12th CV Battalion 2nd Brigade 1st Div
19th AC Washington DC. There is nothing
now here we are on the lookout for guerillas
but they do not trouble us + seem to be wishing
to keep at a safe distance I trust you will give
me the news + keep me posted + I voted
the other day for our worthy Governor Bucking
ham. look out for my vote on the desk at Election
I remain Your Affectionate Brother
C.S. McCracken

ALS