Letter from James Gregg, who is a cousin of Thomas Lucas's wife and who served with him in Company F of the First Pennsylvania Cavalry. He is recovering from the battle wound of October 14. According to historian Andrew German, James' reference to going "on a scout" is probably his description of a trip to a local bar with some hospital buddies from the cavalry, artillery, and infantry, during which they either literally or figuratively maneuvered their way down the street to the large brick building. It was probably expected that Lt. Greenlee would understand the hidden meaning -- using military terminology for nonmilitary activity probably appealed to soldiers of the day, making this letter more comprehensible (and amusing) to his friends in Co. F than it might be to us!

Stanton Hospital Nov l0th [or 16th], l863
Cousin Tom:

I received your letter in due time and was glad to hear that you was all well. It is beautiful weather here, and I suppose it is the same with you. It must be a nice time for mooving the armey, and I guess that old Mead has bin making good use of it. I think his late moove was a perfect success. It must be very discouragin to be poor [Keli].

Well we are having fine times here. I get a pass nearley every day to go where I please. Tell Greenlee that I went on a scout yesterday, we had Artlery, Infantry and cavelry. We went out in the morning, the infantry was deployed as scurmishers. We had not gon far, however, till there was firing herd in the advance. I drew the cavelry up in line, placed the battery in position and went to see what was the matter. I found that Corporal Nap had brought the enemy to a stand in front of a larg brick building.

There was some prety hard fighting, but we soon brught our artilery to bare on it and went right in. We found the enemy had fell back to a large room and taken up a strong position on a [loung]. I ordered the cavery to charge, and they went in heavy and was supported hansomly by the infantry and artilery. We came nigh loosing our battery in the confusion. I was entirely surrounded but the infantry maid a charge and brought it of safe. Our loss was very light, some few flesh wounds. I think there loose ["their loss"] must have bin heavy as I saw some nasty cuts maid by the cavelry and in all, I think we got the beter of them.

Henry's getting well fast, my arm is nearley well, we will be on hand in a short time. Plese excuse the bad riting for it is so cold in here that my hand is numb,

No more at present, give my best respects to all the [laps rite sone] as we are glad to hear from you at any time.

J. K. Gregg

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