[CIVIL WAR]. Letter from the battlefield of Cold Harbor written by Albert N. Husted, Company I, 44th New York Infantry. "Near Old Church Va," 4 June 1864.

2 pages, 7 1/2 x 11 1/4 in., creased, 4 small holes to left edge, some staining, light chipping to edges and creasing to corners.

Husted writes to his mother, beginning "There has been another 3 days' battle - not so general or fierce as those in the Wilderness but pretty sharp fighting." He goes onto explain the details of the previous 3 days: "June 1st our Corps by a flank movement gained an advantage position which we immediately intrenched. Towards evening the rebs got ready and tried to drive us out. Our men have built a great many breastworks but never before had a chance to fight in them and were very glad to have the 'Johnnies' come down upon us. They wounded but two of the 44th but had a large number of their men killed and wounded. On the 2nd our Corps and the 9th attempted another move to the left but the rebs were watching us closely and we had but got fairly started when they advanced over our breastworks and followed thinking they had got us. To their sorrow however they soon discerned that we had another line of works and were prepared to dispute their advance. They were handsomely repulsed. Yesterday morning we closed in upon them and during the day made it so hot for them that they [retired?] during the night. 44th had one Capt. wounded and 20 men killed and wounded yesterday. I am still quite well and my skin is whole."

Husted continues to discuss the war and to convey his optimism: "Our men are wonderfully healthy and fight just as well as they did a month ago. The rebs seem to be getting discouraged and do not fight as they did during the first part of the campaign." He even predicted that "our hardest fighting has been done."

The regiment would go on to engage in the first assault on Petersburg in June 1864, at the Weldon railroad,
and at Poplar Spring Church before mustering out in October.

Albert N. Husted (1833-1912) enlisted as a 2nd lieutenant in September of 1862, being commissioned into Company E of the 44th York Infantry. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in January of the following year, and ultimately captain (of Company I) in May of 1864. He is buried at St. Peter's Presbyterian Cemetery in Spencertown, NY.