Oliver D. Pratt, 1st Mass. Cav.
This letter was written by Oliver D. Pratt (1838-1922) to his younger brother, Albert S. Pratt (1846-1871). They were the sons of Oliver Pratt (1792-1860) and Sarah D. Lewis (1813-1897) of North Chelsea, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Oliver enlisted in Company L, 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, on 11 November 1861 and was transferred to Co. L, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry, on 12 February 1864. He mustered out of the service on 14 November 1865 at Richmond. Oliver was wounded in the hand on 20 February 1864 at the Battle of Olustee in Florida.
Oliver D. Pratt married Lydia Ann Spofford in 1876 in Revere, Massachusetts and resided in Pepperell, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Phineas G. Wright.
1864 Envelope
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Mr. Albert S. Pratt, Boston, Massachusetts
Care of Rubber Clothing Co., 76 Water Street
Headquarters 10th Army Corps
Bermuda Hundred
July 11th 1864
Albert,
Well it is a rainy day here — the first that we have had since I got back here. I was on guard yesterday but came off this morning so you see that I was just in time to clear the rain. I received a letter from you night before last and was glad to hear that you were all well. Garry has just come in with a lot of cakes.
20th Wed. Albert, I meant to have sent this yesterday but I had to stop writing and help Garry eat the cakes and then it was stable call. I received two letters last night — one from Sarah and one from Abbie Drew and two papers. It is dull today not having cleared off yet.
There was sharp firing last night at Petersburg. I am a going to try and go up there some day and try and find Joe Copeland. I have got about played out as I can’t think of anything to write. The last letter that I received from you was No. 16. Why did not Sarah take the picture that I gave her last to copy from.
I don’t like the way I sit here. Well, remember me to all of the folks. Tell Frank that when we are paid off that I will give him a pair of boots for getting Col. licensed. Well I don’t know how to spell that word so I will let it go. Well good luck to you all.
From your brother, — O. D. P.
Spared & Shared 9 