Lieutenant William James Fisher, Civil War Soldier

My Dear Father:

I received yours of the 7th but on the 12th answered your inquiries as to which division Sykes’ Brigade is in. About two or three weeks ago he was just in command of a division consisting of the Regular Brigade: The 5th and 10th New York Vols. with the 1st Connecticut. We are at present attached to General Fitz-John Porter’s Corps, but only temporarily. Ours is in reality an independent Brigade.

Day before yesterday a Rebel cavalry officer by the name of Randall, formally of the 1st Dragoons, did one of the sharpest things I think that I ever heard of. He took a detachment of cavalry and rode around the right of our lines. Came up in our rear, burnt Tunstall’s station, and got drunk on government whiskey. Stole 800 head of cattle and got back without being caught, although we put eight thousand cavalry after him, but none caught up with the exception of two Cos. of 5th US Cavalry. Then the Rebbles were in such force that we were [illegible] had the first Lieutenant killed in the first charge. Two Rebbles, one an officer, set on the captain. He, at the first cut killed the [illegible] officer, and then struck at his head. But he being an old officer and knowing perfectly the use of the saber warded the blow off. Then gave the Rebble a back cut with his saber which cut his (the Rebble’s) face open. The name of the Federal was Captain Royal of Virginia but he is much a Rebel.

I wrote a few days ago saying I would like for you to subscribe for two or one newspaper (Del) and have it sent to me. You need not be afraid but that I shall get it for the mail runs regularly no matter whether we move or lie still. I received just now a paper, The Advertiser, the first Delaware paper I’ve seen since leaving home, but I saw no particular news with the exception of the death of William Browne, but that I saw in your letter.

When you write again tell me what Uncle John’s boys are doing. Tell one of them that he had better try for a cadet commission to West Point. There are now three hundred appointments to be made and I think about twenty of them are to be made at large.

Please write soon. Give my love to all, Your son, W. J. Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

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