OSHKOSH COURIER
July 26, 1861
We are permitted to publish the following letter from
JOHN A. HAMLIN, a member of Capt. BOUCK’s company, and son of Sheriff HAMLIN of this county. It exhibits the quiet, resolute spirit, and devoted patriotism of the true Union soldier.CENTERVILLE, July 20, 1861.
DEAR FATHER: I sit down in a hurry to write you a few lines.
We had a fight yesterday, but there was only one of our men killed and two wounded, one had his leg shot off and died last night. They all belonged to the La Crosse company. There was one cannon ball come within two feet of me, and another one went under our Colonel’s horse and struck the ground about sixteen feet from me. We had to lay down to keep form being killed. Some of the Michigan regiments were cut up badly, also the N.Y. 69th.
I saw a great many dead and dying. It is estimated about 75 to 300 killed on our side; and they think that the greatest loss is on the other side. Sherman’s battery is with our brigade. He had five officers and seven privates shot.
The rebels are in a hollow where we cannot see them; there are about 40,000 of them. – The Michigan regiments went into 40,00 of the rebels. We started them from Fairfax; they ran like sheep. There will be a large fight here today. Our men did not one of them flinch.
We are only five miles form Manassas. – The rebels fired into our camp last night; we had to get up several times and take our guns. We mean to clear them out today; but they fight like devils. I saw one man with his face all shot off. * * * * *
We all keep up good courage. We are only one mile from 20,000 rebels. This may be the last chance I will have to write; but if I fall, it can be said that I died in defense of our country’s flag.
Our fare is crackers and water, but it does very well. I am not sorry that I enlisted, nor will not be if I fall. I lost my knapsack, and the boys are very kind in sharing with me.
I would like to write more but have not time. Good bye to all.
Your affectionate son,
JOHN A. HAMLIN.