Maine Memory Network

On Nov. 10, 1862, the 16th Maine still had not been in a battle, but Lt. Charles Garcelon reflected, as he had in a letter several months earlier, about war and his role in it.

Writing to his father, Garcelon said, "If ever I do get in battle I will try to sustain the Garcelon name."

He added, "I cannot think war in general is right, but this war is for the protection of our glorious Country and I feel as though I can fight for it."

He also reported to his father about the poor conditions in camp: men without overcoats, sleeping on the ground, and most having only one shirt and one pair of stockings.

He closed, "Trusting we may meet again when this wicked war is brought to a close."