Below is the first letter, in Historic Charlton Park’s possession, that Baird wrote home to his parents George and Mary.
Camp Blair
Washington D.C.
June 30, 1861
Dear Parents,
I presume before this time you have heard a great many remarks concerning our regiment and the war, but they are mostly rumors without the facts. There is but little done as far as I can hear, in active operations except now and then a slight skirmish. And some are of the impression that there will be little or no fighting at all.
The last week a skirmish took place at Mathias Point [Matthias’ Point, Va] on the Potomac between a small reconnoitering party and a large body of rebels in which Capt. Ward of the Pawnee was killed and a number of his men severely wounded, one mortally.
Last Friday I paid a visit to the Capital. I visited the Capitol, Patent Office, and Smithsonian Institution. It would be impossible for me to describe in this small sheet all that I there saw. However in the first place I ascended to the top of the Capitol where I had a splendid view of the whole city. I then descended to the interior of the building and trod those places which three months ago I little expected to ever see. I went to both houses of Congress, but visitors are permitted to go only in the galleries at present on account of the repairing being done.
I then went to the Patent Office. My time was so short that I could not pay particular attention to all, but I got a glimpse of the moot and especially of those things so closely connected with the history of our country. The equipment of [George] Washington, his clothes, army shot, a fragment of his tent, and many other things too numerous to mention.
The Smithsonian is a place well worthy the attention of any one. Here is a Museum in which is collected a vast number of the curiosities of Nature. The different species varietals and specimens of animals, birds, reptiles, insects, plants and minerals brought from different parts of the globe form a study highly instructive and interesting. There is also a large picture gallery. of the most of the paintings seem to be portraits of distinguished Indians. In the center of this gallery is a splendid statue of the dying Gladiator. But when I come home I will tell you more as my space here is too limited. A few days before I left the Rapids I sent my satchel to Hastings to Beiley’s Store in the care of Uncle Tommy or Mrs. Dickerson, but I have not thought to speak of it before. And now I would say a few words with regard to my trunk. I have a few papers there which if you have not yet taken out I would request that you would not disturb until I come home. I have not as yet received any news from home and I begin to feel anxious to hear. Wm Fox is regaining his health fast, and is so as to be out. Our boys are much better than when I last wrote. I have sent three papers which I presume will reach you before this. My health is good, and time passes swiftly away. I do wish some of my old comrades would write to me. Remember me to all my friends.
Your affectionate Son,
Matthew Baird
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