On the Battle Field at Live Oak Station
Dear Wife This morning I thought I would write you a few lines to inform you that I am safe after having fought one of the fiercest Battles on the American Continent. My Regiment came up just as the 52d Pa. Regiment broke and retreated. We made a most determined stand, turned the tide and held our ground against a whole Brigade of Mississippi and Alabama troops, took a number of prisoners and saved the day. The 64th done all that men could do. We were hotly engaged for two hours. In front of our line the enemy lay in heaps. They charged on us twice & then fell back. Each time when they sounded their charge I ordered my Regiment to cease firing & commanded every one to load that was not loaded. When they advanced to about 8 or 10 rods (we being all in a thick woods) I gave the order to fire & they fell like grass before the scythe. My Regiment suffered severely. The balls come like hail into our ranks and about 150 are killed, wounded & missing. 11 officers are wounded & one or two killed. It is almost a miracle that I escaped without a wound. Men were killed all around me. Poor Nero was shot twice, once in the thigh & once in the head. He fell bleeding profusely & I left him for dead but after the Battle I found him standing up & whinnowing for me. I took him out of the woods & found that he could be saved. This morning he is doing very well. Our General had 2 horses killed under him. He was shot twice in the arm & his right arm is amputated. I have the honor to report that on the field I was appointed to the command of the Brigade. Genl McClelland came on to the field yesterday afternoon & said our Brigade had done nobly. We slept on our arms last night, though Sleep I have not slept any. We expected the battle would be renewed this morning. It is now nine O clock. We have not seen the enemy & a report has just come that they have retreated & are evacuating Richmond. I cannot say how true it is. If I should stay in the service 10 years I never could do myself more honor in one day than I did yesterday in the battle of the first of June 1862. I write this sitting on the ground using my saddle skirt for a writing table. I want to see you all & hear from you.
Affectionately yours,
Thos. J. Parker, Comdg Howards Brigade
Near Richmond Va June 2d 1862
in Richardsons Division
