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Chapman, 14 May 1864

Camp near Bermuda Hundred, Virginia
May 14th 1864

Dear Wife,

You will see by this that we are to the front at last and unexpected too for we knew nothing of it until the morning we started. We are now where we shall see hard fighting for quite a spell for we are acting as infantry. Ed Sisson is here too with us.

A few stamps and a doll or two will be very acceptable for I have not any of either and I am out of tobacco.

We are to attack Fort Darling soon. They are fighting there all the time and I expect nothing else but that I shall have a button hole in me this time—and if I do, it will only be my share for I shall try to do my part if I am taken into the fight.

Ed Sisson is a corporal so Judy is all right. We are in for a fight this time sure for we are in Butler’s Department. Give my love to all for it is all your own. When I get so I can, I will write more. Good night.

We are on the James River and within six miles of Fort Darling and within 18 miles of Richmond. Write soon, pet. Your husband, — C. A. Chapman, Co. D, 1st C. V. A.

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