Oxford Times, May 6, 1863
Head Quar's, Co. E, 89th Regt. N.Y.V.; Suffolk, Va. April 26th, 1863
Dear Sir: It being a long time since you have received a letter from out little band of heroes, I thought that a line from us at this time would be received with interest. As you, of course, must have learned by the papers that we hourly expected the hostile enemy which nearly surrounds us to pounce upon us like a hungry beast of the forest that has been half starved for months, in order that they may get their fill from the boundless supplies of us Yankees as they term us. Yet I think they stand nine chances out of ten of getting their fil of bullets instead of digestible food. We have been receiving reinforcements of late, and do not stand in fear of any force that the enemy can bring against us. They came in force upon our lines one week ago last Saturday, and ever since that time have been trying to make a break, but as yet have met with no success. You may think that our soldiers after so long being upon the eve of a battle and continually guarding against it, night and day, are somewhat worn and discouraged. Well, perhaps they may be somewhat the worse for wear, after so long a siege of exposure, yet never since they were sworn to fight for the old flag were they in better spirits than at the present time. Men may ask why are our men so anxious for a battle after their ranks have been reduced from ten companies to scarcely enough for three. Well, Ii can tell you, it is because we have always been fighting on the offensive, and never had a chance to fight behind intrenchments, and are anxious to give the enemy the same they gave us at Fredericksburg. Our troops have been highly congratulated several times by Gen Peck for their long endurance ,and complete success in repulsing the enemy in every attack they have made upon our lines. As yesterday was the 10th of April, it is alike memorable to us as it is to all loyal people, it being the anniversary day of our first battle at Camden, and the second anniversary of the riot at Baltimore. I will give you a brief description of our exploits on that day. the day was bright and warm, and all was still and quiet as a Northern Sunday, with the exception of an occasional boom from the heavy cannon that were fired from our gunboats until 3 P.M., when our Regt were ordered to fall in with equipment, and march to the banks of the Nansemond for the purpose of taking a fort that the rebels had erected on a high bluff on the opposite bank for the purpose of blockading the river. We marched at a rapid pace for some five miles. As soon as we reached the bank we found the gunboat Stepping Stone ready to take us on board, and were soon standing towards the fort. But a few moments elapsed before we were directly under the enemy's guns. There was no dock at which to land and no time to be lost, the boat was run as near shore as possible. The soldiers then made a leap for shore going into the water waist deep, one poor soldier went into the wheel and was drowned. Our soldiers as fast as they reached the shore charged upon the fort, and in less than 30 minutes our blood stained banner was planted upon the ramparts of the fort. We captured 125 men, 7 commissioned officers, 5 splendid brass cannon, 5 ton of ammunition besides 100 stand of small arms. It was a very daring and dangerous undertaking, yet Gen. Getty having full confidence in our Regiment for bravery they have displayed under his command assigned us to execute the work, knowing that we would accomplish his plans or die in the attempt. This fort was one that nature had nearly built, and formed a strong blockade which rendered it most impossible for our gunboats to pass as our Ironclads cannot navigate the river. Two of our Gunboats while trying to run past the fort were disabled and many others are badly pierced with bullets. the Gunboat Stepping Stone that landed us under its guns had 17 men killed by the enemy's sharp shooters at the fort. This shows how important it was that it should be taken. We took the enemy completely by surprise, thus saving many of our lives. Our loss is 4 killed, 12 wounded, 4 of them mortally. Our Regiment with the assistance of a few of the 8th Connecticut held the fort until reinforcements came to our support. The enemy came upon us twice during the night, and tried to retake the fort, but our steady fire soon repulsed and drove them back. Our officers and men behaved themselves in the most gallant manner, and have won a name that will long live on the pages of history. I would mention that among those who distinguished themselves as heroes was our Captain, H.C. Roome, who proved himself worthy of the command. The enemy are still hovering around us, but do not feel inclined as yet to attack us.
Respectfully Yours, Lieut, Parsons
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