American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

WOOD, M. Herbert. Autograph letter signed. Headquarters, 23rd U.S. Colored Troops. "In the field Near Petersburgh Va." 16 July 1864. 4pp, 8 x 5 in. (ink smear to outer surfaces, yellowing around creases, some flaking along folds and edges). Letter from 2nd Lieutenant M. Herbert Wood, 23rd US Colored Troops to his sister, Mollie, discussing her lingering health woes and the desertion of her husband.

M. Herbert Wood was a permanent resident of the state of Alabama when the Civil War began, and left his family behind in order to fight on the side of the Union. At the time he wrote this letter, Wood served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 23rd US Colored Infantry. In the letter, he discussed an upcoming promotion that was finalized on July 19, 1864 to 1st Lieutenant, when Wood transferred to the 22nd US Colored Infantry. He was further promoted to Captain on December 31, 1864, and served as the Assistant Adjutant Inspector General of the 1st Division 25th Army Corps during the absence of Captain J. H. Joust. Wood spent most of his time with the 23rd and 22nd on leave of absence due to illness, accumulating more than 180 days absent during one year. In May of 1865, he requested leave to ascertain the condition of the wife and child he had been compelled to leave behind when he joined the war to fight for the Union, afterward submitting a surgeon's note requesting to resign on account of "Physical Disability." This was granted, and Wood was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain on July 18th, 1865.