Fourth Reg’t PA Reserve Corps
CITY POINT, July 4th, 1862
______:_____I am still alive, but that is about all. I am not hurt; all I want is rest. Our division has been in three of the hottest battles that ever was fought, but I have escaped without a scratch. Our brave fellows fell fast around me. Capt. Gates is wounded, and a prisoner; a grape shot hit him in the ankle. I was by his side at the time. Our loss is severe but not as heavy as I expected. I shall not attempt to give you the particulars, I have not time; you will no doubt get them before this reaches you. Our Col. Was not killed as was reported in the Philadelphia Enquirer, but was slightly wounded. Our Lieut. Col was wounded and taken prisoner. We have lost twelve of our Company, do not know how many are killed.
Yours, &c.,
A. T. Sweet
This letter was written after the 4th Pa Reserves were committed to the battles of Gaines Mill and Glendale/Frayser's Farm. Of the 45 men in their company at the start of the week, only 22 would remain when called to formation July 3rd.
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| Picture believed to show Capt A.T. Sweet (Far Left) and his men of H Co. 4th Pa Reserves circa 1861 |
