A Letter from Jesse W. Brock

Surgeon 66^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

A letter written by the surgeon of the 66th Ohio Volunteers Infantry. This same surgeon quite possibly brought aid and comfort to my distant cousin James Q. Fleming who was mortally wound at the Battle of Port Republic.

I transcribed this letter from the original which I have in my possession and was written by Jesse Brock at Aquia Creek Depot. Read on. The photo was lifted from the website http://americancivilwar.com .

Aquia Creek, Virginia

Sunday May 31^st 1863

Dear Brother & Sister

This is Sabbath morning in camp. All is quiet save an occasional sound produced by some drummer boy. The weather is very warm. Add to this heavy winds and dust & you will have some idea of our situation. We have plenty of good water which we use pretty freely both externally & internally. The health of the Regt. Is good. Not much sickness & that of a mild character.

Today reminds me of the days when I was a little Boy at home preparing to attend Sabbath School & church. I was happy then although I did not fully understand the term until I grew older. Nothing would afford me as much pleasure as to take a stroll on the old farm. I wish I was there today to drink some of the sparkling water that flows from those old well sictern (sic). I fancy I would enjoy it very much indeed. In addition to this I would like to take dinner with you …say 1 oclock P.M. I know you will have something good for dinner today. If you don't I will be mistaken for one time. I suppose you have got your corn all planted & _______________ _________ this is has commenced growing. Maybe you are working it. how I would like to see your two little boys marching thoe's (?) in hand to the cornfield for the purpose of chopping grass and weeds that are considered intruders in a cornfield. What noble little fellows they are. I love them both.

I dreamed of home last night - dreamed of schoolboy days. And so busily enjoyed talking to Betty Perkins (now Russell I believe). Also Martha & Catherine Perkins. Also Mary Jane Chandler (that was her name when I was a schoolboy and she a nice little girl). I was terribly in love with Betty & Mary Jane. I haven't got over it yet. I sincerely love all my old school fellows and would like very much indeed to see them all. When this Civil War is over & I get home safe, I want to visit all of them. Remember me kindly to all those I have mentioned.

Doubtless you have read the history of the recent battle of Chancellorsville - called the Wilderness. I could better tell you of it than describe is unspoken (?). Suffice it to say that it was a fearful scene. I have witnessed so many such that they have lost all their novelty to me as far as I am concerned. Personally I wish could have been with us on Saturday & Sunday - particularly on Saturday night. I can't imagine what your feelings would have been. I know full well what mine were. My first object was to look well my own safety which I did by having my faithful Nurse Besy close by my side. We could only dress wounded at intervals as those __________ shells would always find us . Surgeons as a general thing are not very brave. On Saturday evening when that terrible stampede took place (caused by the cowardice of the Infernal Dutch of the Eleventh Corps) we had our hospital established in the woods (couldn't have it any other place as it was all woods there) as near as it was prudent for us to be - great many wounded were collected. All of us were busily engaged in relieving their suffering when we were compelled to leave in consequence to the close proximity of the shells & bullets. We piled up Brush, Rails, & stumps around them as much as possible & left them to their fate. The majority of them got away. The balance remained until 11 oclock at night. We got possession of the ground again & proceeded to dress the wounds & get them to the rear as fast as possible. By one oclock we had them all removed. On Sunday we worked all day. Shelled out of every hospital we would establish we kept up our work however until Wednesday morning (at this time the whole army had recrossed the river). On Sunday the whole Wilderness was on fire. Many very many of the wounded were consumed by the flames - terrible battle. Got licked again as usual. Not discouraged in the least. We have got to use to success. Expect another bloody battle in a very short time. We will be attacked this time..

The news from Grants Army is very encouraging indeed. Hope he will succeed in taking Vicksburg. What do you think of this war? I don't ask your opinion of the Army of the Potomac but the war as is. Imbecility is the sole of our misfortunes. We have same as ---------- fighting them in this army as in any other position of the northern army - GENERALSHIP INFERIOR.

I have not heard from John in some time. I suppose he has not been in a fight yet - hope he wont be. how is my old friend David Deselums. Give him my kind regards also. Sats. To Mrs. Piggott, Alfred Bethel & family. In fact all my relatives and friends I would like very much to see you all very much. Don't know when that will be if I keep my health as I have no idea of leaving until this little matter is settled.

Tell Adeline Nicholas I sent her some papers yesterday - hope she will get them. Tell your little girl Caroline that I will send her a paper someday. Be so kind as to take care of yourself resting assured that I will do the same. My love to you both & the family - Your Brother Jesse

(I tried to read this letter after I had written it and failed - won't be disappointed if you meet with the same success.