For the Advocate & Press
Company H 1st Penna. R.C.
DEAR SISTER---I seat myself with pleasure to let you know how
we all are. For my part I am wellbut have seen some very hard times. I promised before I left to tell you the truth in
regard to what is going on here. Now, for the
first time, I am obliged to tell you bad news. Alfred
was wounded in the fight last Monday. He was wounded in the left leg between the thigh and
knee, also in the right arm, between the wrist and elbow, and is taken prisoner. I think one of our boys helped him to the hospital. As soon as I heard it I went to hunt for him, but I
could not find him. But many others besides
him were left on the field. Report says that
they are used well; so don’t be uneasy about him.
One thing I know, he stood and fought like a man.
I was struck with two balls but they did not hurt me, they went through my coat
pocket and diary. It just put me in fighting humor. I
took four prisoners. They charged on our
battery, and took it twice but we retook it.-----I think the hardest fighting in this war
was done by the Reserves. David Sheibley is among the missing. James P Sheibley
was wounded and left upon the field, also Rudolph Priesler.
Alfred Cree was wounded but not captured. We had 3 very hard days’ fighting viz; 26th 27th, and 30th days of
June. We did not hold the field one day, but
were not whipped---only fell back to draw the rebels on. The report that the rebels will
not fight is incorrect.---they fought like troopers; but still they can’t stand the
Yankee steel. Nearly all the officers in our
division were killed. They fought like wildcats. We laid the battle field full of rebels,
and if we ever get into another fight, I’m bound to avenge my brother’s wounds
if it costs me my life. Since I have commenced
this letter, David Sheibley and R. Priesler
have come into their regiment, not hurt, but Ellis Welch is missing. Some of the boys from town are beside me now, and
request me tell father to inform their friends that they are well, and ready for another
fight. Tiliie, I
have one request to make of you, viz.; not to concern yourself much about Alfred, for I am
sure he will turn up yet. We are now within
one mile of
But remain yours truly
H.A. Graham
Wm. J. Graham, near Landisburg, is father of the writer
of this letter. David Sheibley
is a son of George Sheibley, and James P. Sheibley
is a son of S. Sheibley
of Landisburg. They belong to Company B 7th Penn’a Reserves
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