A FAMILY PAPER DEVOTED TO THE NEWS OF THE DAY IN SOUTH DANVERS (PEABODY), MASSACHUSETTS
January 6 – June 29, 1864 - Part VI
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About South Danvers (Peabody), Massachusetts
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South Danvers Wizard, 5/25/1864,
p. 2/4-5
SERGEANT BLAISDELL SAFE! – “The following letter (or journal) was received in town last Thursday afternoon, from Sergeant John A. Blaisdell, who had been reported as missing in the late battles. He was taken prisoner on Sunday, the 8th inst., while charging on the rebel breastworks at Todd’s Tavern, and was, - as will be seen by his letter, - recaptured at Beaver Dam Station, while on his way to Richmond in company with 378 others, by Gen. [George] Custer’s brigade of cavalry. As a newspaper correspondent says, their joy when they saw the flashing blades of the Union cavalry approaching, knew no bounds. They set up a deafening cheer while the rebel guard, composed of a lieutenant and twenty-five men, skedaddled into the woods. They had no inkling of this approach, and the transition from a state of despondency to hope and joy was so sudden that they could hardly realize it: MARCHED FROM MITCHEL’S STATION, MAY 4TH – Went into battle on the 5th. Relieved morning of the 6th. Marched back, and, into the entrenchments. Were relieved and ordered to report to Gen. Hancock. Built breastworks, and lay down for the night. Afternoon of the 7th relieved from breastworks, marched all night, went into battle morning of the 8th, - Taken prisoner about noon. Started morning of the 9th for Richmond, and marched all day. Recaptured at night by General Custer’s cavalry, at Beaver Dam Station. All I could do was to follow the footsteps of the cavalry, so started with them. They have fought a number of battles, and have gotten within three miles of Richmond, at this date, May 12th. They expect to form a junction with some of the union forces every hour. May 14th. Reached this place – Bottom Bridge – last night. A great deal of rain has fallen, and it is quite cool this morning. 15th. Reached Harrison’s Landing last night, where we now are, waiting to be transported down the James River. Think we shall be sent to Washington or Alexandria. ON BOARD TRANSPORT BALTIMORE, Potomac River, May 17th, 1864 I mailed my last letter at the time we joined Generals [Benjamin] Butler and Smith’s forces, on the James River. Now we are on our way to Washington, and suppose we shall be sent to our regiments as soon as possible. I want to get back to my regiment, if it can be found. On that Sunday morning, when we went into the fight, in a charge, I threw off my knapsack, and everything I had, except my haversack, so now, I have not got the first thing, except what I had on my back at the time. We have a hard time. Some time I will give you an account of what I have been through, seen and heard. It is enough for one man to live through, but thanks to General Custer’s cavalry, for our rescue from Richmond. Later – Have just got into Alexandria, all right. Shall write again soon.” J.O.B. |