June 19-20 2004
Goshen, Connecticut
The Battle of Wahdams Grove
Goshen, Connecticut
June 19-20, 2004

Dear Friends,

We of the little band called the Eighth Conn. Vols. arrived on the highlands around here in the late afternoon. We explored the camps and got our orders from headquarters. We then looked to the south of the camp and found a wonderful opening in the treeline there. We explored it directly, and found that it went into a pine wood that opened up nicely and made a good camp for the boys. We established ourselves there, but soon found that the cavalry was posted there. What we determined was that the infantry was there first, and that we would surely make room for the horses in the wood, as the cavalrymen were intent on parking in the open fields.

Our little camp was first rate, and we had our shelters pitched all around a little glade there, and a good little fire was put up in the midst of the trees. We started directly in to making up some rations of peas and other delectible meats. We congregated in the trees in bigger numbers there, and got up a first rate camp, that none other can beat. We spent the night, and arose at reveille to the call of the battalion. We reported directly to the commander for our company, Capt. Manzi, and were put up to the morning reconnaissance. We put out a few scouts, and went into the wood to our north, but were groping into the woods for a time. We had a few Confederates pass to our front, and then to our left, and out of the picture. We were not able to make any serious contact with the enemy until near noon, when we were attacked, and left to our own devices in the open fields. That was called back to some degree, so that the boys were saved.

We went back to camp and got up our little noon meals, but were called into line again shortly, so that the entire brigade went to the front against a good number of sucesh, and were pitched in a good battle there. The outcome was that we both held our ground, and that the day would be determined tomorrow.

The evening was spent with the normal jovial pursuits that the proximity of these armies can provide. All were pleased with the intercourse, and all were tired going to bed.

The morning once again called us all out in line, and the parades directed us into the woods to find the enemy once more. This time we fared poorer,and got slaughtered in the face of a hidden battery to our left, that we did not see, and elected to attack a rebel infantry bait across the field. There were many casualties.

After that attack, the battalion was split up in the woods, as the left went to the left, and the right went tot the right. I was one of the right, and we pushed the rebels uphill, and to the west, until we found them situated on a hilltop right in the woods. We determined to charge them there, and the charge stalled, and we all were captives for a bit. The let us go shortly,and we returned to camp.

We were called into line soon after, and went out to repel the rebel hoards. They were so strong that they overwhelmed the lines, and they forced us back on our own lines once more. We were able to defend our rear, but were not able to push forward once more. Such is the end of a grand engagement with the rebels and the Union defense upon these grounds.

We are all well here, excepting the recent fallen, and for those, there was a certain solemn ceremony upon these grounds. There is no claim that the fallen are more than the rest, but they are rank and file with us, and they will all be missed dearly, for the duration. It is fitting that the ceremony notes their conduct, and their contributions to their causes. I for one admire this thing, but hope that I will never be so remembered.

Your friend,
Seth.