“Battle of Williamsburg; Enemy leaving their dead”

“Battle of Williamsburg; Enemy had gone leaving their dead”

Name: Sgt. Asher C. Hinds

Date: May 7th, 1862

Location: Williamsburg, Virginia

Unit: 3rd Maine Volunteer Infantry 

Williamsburg May 7, 1862

Dear Brother,

      We encamped at this place last night and shall probably leave again this morning. Our advance had quite a severe fight at this place. There were two regiments in our brigade engaged. We formed a line of battle, I think for the purpose of preventing the enemy from out flanking our troops. Afterwards, we went to the support of those fighting but it was just dark when we arrived and it was thought best not to put us into it that night. The next morning we were ordered forward but the enemy had gone leaving their dead and wounded. I think their loss is greater than ours. We had men burying the dead all day yesterday. My health is good, my love to all.

Asher

Biography:

Sgt. Asher C. Hinds was born on January 7th, 1840, in Kennebec County, Maine, to parents Asher and Lucy Hinds. Growing up in a bustling household with five siblings, young Asher attended school in town, laying the groundwork for a future that would be shaped by the tumultuous events of his time.

In the year 1860, Asher found himself pursuing higher education just as the nation was on the brink of a devastating conflict—the Civil War. The echoes of secession and division reached every corner of the country, and on April 12th, 1861, the call to arms reverberated across the land. Without hesitation, Asher enlisted on June 4th, 1861, joining the ranks of the 3rd Maine Volunteer Infantry as a Corporal.

As part of this regiment, Sgt. Hinds found himself thrust into the heart of the conflict, with his first significant encounter looming on the horizon—the Battle of Williamsburg. In a letter written during this tense period, Asher conveyed the anticipation and anxiety felt by his comrades as they approached the battlefield. Fortunately, the Confederates retreated, sparing Asher from the horrors of direct combat.

Asher's dedication and skill on the battlefield did not go unnoticed, and he was duly promoted to the rank of Sergeant. His leadership and commitment to duty set an example for his fellow soldiers, earning him the respect of both officers and enlisted men.

Tragedy struck on March 6th, 1863, when Sgt. Asher C. Hinds fell ill. Despite the challenges posed by wartime medical care, Sgt. Hinds was granted leave and returned home. However, the ravages of illness proved insurmountable, and on that fateful day, Sgt. Asher C. Hinds passed away.

Sgt. Hinds' life, though cut short, is a testament to the courage and sacrifice exhibited by countless individuals during a tumultuous period in American history. His legacy lives on through the letters he penned, providing a poignant glimpse into the experiences of a dedicated soldier during the Civil War.