Letter written by Peter Costelloe to Mrs. Keely of Saco, Maine

 Because of copy write laws I could not post the original letter.  

Here is a typed version for you to enjoy.

“Camp Russell” VA

December 14, 1864

Dear Mrs. Keely------

Your interesting epistle bearing date Dec 6th I thus acknowledge. I was not much disappointed in not receiving your always pleasing letters, when I learned of your increased bereavement.

I heard frequently from you and Abby through our then friends. It is true, as you give utterance to, that we sometimes make use of language which do not give expression to our feelings. We are self-conceited! Don’t we make use of expressions which don’t cover in reality our feelings? I think we are apt to use it the same as apparel. I don’t express the deep heart-felt emotions which lie buried in the soul. Human nature stands prominent in the heart. Your bereavement has been severe; you have sustained it with Christian fortitude. Yes I think Mother can grasp your hand sympathizing for she has passed through the same deep ways of afflection. (affliction) I can’t say that I could or know how to sympathize just now. As the Honored Dead (Mr. Keely) remarks to me when I saw him in New Orleans, Soldiers are no more concerned at the referred death of such and such that they would be if they heard of the slaughter of many rats. Soldiers are used to seeing their most intimate friends cut down before him. He has become calloused to such things. Not with standing all this Soldiers heart is tender and affectionate when properly influenced. There are exceptions to all rules humanly speaking. If I can exercise any such things as sympathy you indeed have it from a youthful heart full of emotions.

The evening of the 26th November about seven o’clock a brigade under the command of Col. Porter (of 14th) consisting of the 14th and 12th Maine, 22nd Iowa, 13th Conn. Were ordered to guard a train of hundred wagons to Martinsburg. A distance of 22 miles from Winchester and 29 miles from this camp. We camped the other side of Winchester the first night. We laid out over that night and a colder one I have not seen since I have bee in the valley. Next morning (being Sunday) at about ten A.P. (am) the line of march to M. at which place we arrived at 9 PM. Knowing that the fortunate and polite 13th was stationed at M. I made good the time in the darkness to search for my compeer George Keely. After a short but diligent search I found him alone in his glory. Think of Peter and the “Bully 14th” to use his own language. After a most congenial conversation I had the honor to share his “bed and board”, a better nights sleep I did not enjoy while in the valley---I felt grateful for it too. If I had not enjoyed the comforts that George did I wear the honors and bear the toils of the battle field---that is sufficient for me! Monday passed off until toward evening with its usual rumors when all the troops in Martinsburg were ordered to leave immediately, the 13th Main included, leaving in the city only Col. Porters Brigade guarding the city and outpost until the return of those which we relieved. They returned Saturday Dec 3rd from Cumberland M. S. without loosing a man! Bully for the 13th Maine.

Sunday morn at daylight I bid George goodbye and told him if he got to Saco ’ere I did to tell the folks I was well and ragged. I spurred my steed to over take the regiment (it) was 2 miles away. Thus I found and left George enjoying himself never looking better. Pleasant indeed was the interview I had with him. We reached “Camp Russell” about six o’clock December 4th which is about five miles from W. George will no doubt reach Saco very soon if he has not already. The non-veterans of this regiment will leave for Augusta Maine now in a few days. I expect to be left alone as the only Medical officer with the regiment. It would gladden my heart to visit dear Mother once more. I have no doubt, it would hers.

By order so Gen. Sheridan this came is known as “Camp Russell”.

You asked how I lost my things. I will try to make a long story short and be as brief as possible. Johnny rebs drove us out unceremoniously with shot and shell. ON the night previous to the fight, the 2nd division (Grovers) was ordered to be ready to move at day light next morning on the reconnaissance. As is customary on such occasion we were up and eating breakfast. The day was just breaking in the East---when my coffee kettle got upset, ...on with another kettle of coffee! About this time firing was heard on the right and left--I said to myself I will not be cheated out of my breakfast--I commenced to eat, The firing increased louder and more rapid, I left breakfast and when to the parapet again, back again to my tent determined to breakfast come what might. The firing is terrific “bombs bursting in air” and the uncalled for shells coming right over our heads. O! with such a wicked noise! That is not all where we least expected danger there is when danger was on our “flank and rear”. Those minnie balls came in so spiteful! That we must learn or be shot down or taken prisoner without having the satisfaction of firing a single shot. The Rebels planted their colors on our parapet ’ere we left camp. They came on so suddenly. While I spread out a blanket to wrap up my loose things in it, the shell and shot came in thick and fast. While Brandes, my boy took the blanket and what it contained I went and saddled my steed and mounted with all speed but I feared Johnny Reb would pop a ball through me. No he did not. I got away but when I got to the rear about a mile--confound them they sent shells after us and we could see those pieces of shell come so deliberately as if they meant to hit me. I was a little too spry for them and kept out of the way. When those pieces could not reach us they fall into puddles of water so spitefully and be splattered all over with mud and water. I got to the rear as soon as possible--before ten o’clock the whole army got driven four miles out of camp. Many of the boys got shot down while striking their tents and remained there until we drove the Rebs out of camp into the evening. I will refrain from referring to the scenes of the day just now. I will not and can not just now. I may here after.

I saw Gen. Sheridan the eventful day when he arrived. This scribbling I have prolonged now six pages more then I intended to see many mistakes in it. Feeling tired. I will close acknowledging all errors. I will not erase any for it would make matters worse.

I am well, my weight is good on hard bread and coffee, 136 lbs. My normal weight is 125. Doing well now. Give my kindest regards to friends and to friends only.

I remain yours most respectfully

Peter Costelloe

Hospital Steward 14th Maine

19th Corps