ALS signed “W. G. Henderson,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 10.75, Camp 19th Regt Connecticut Vols letterhead, December 22, 1862. Fascinating letter home from a Union soldier to his parents. In part: “The Grand Army of the Potomac…has met with a sad reverse at Fredericksburg. And we can set that battle down as another grand blunder…several thousands of the wounded from that battle, are in the Hospital of Alexandria and Washington, and they all tell the same story, they say they were drawn out in any open field, in front of the enemy’s cannons, and mowed down like grass, and with no possible chance of accomplishing anything…All the old soldiers that I have conversed with, are heartily tired of this kind of war, and say it may just as well be ended at once. Thousands of men and millions of money are being thrown away for naught…thought I would let you know a little what the feeling is throughout the army…There is a set of people at the North, that talk about sending the last man, and spending their last dollar to carry on this war, all I have to say, to such men as those is, come yourselves…I must confess I view things in a very different light from what I did, a few months ago. If I had known the half what I know today, about this thing, I should never have been here.” Tape-repaired separations to intersecting folds, otherwise very good condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
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