Martin Abbott was born in Corfe, England in 1838. He came to America with his family in 1846 settling in Wisconsin. Martin married Sarah Ann Coates in 1865. To this union six children were born: William, Martin, Sara Elizabeth, Mary, Nellie May, George Henry and Alice.
In 1877 Sarah Ann passed away. Later Martin married Jane Adelia Blackwell. In the 1880s Martin and Jane moved their family to Dakota Territory and lived northwest of Canton. Martin was a farmer and served on the board of York School District which is where his children attended school. The family was very active in church activities. Martin served as trustee and Elder of the Presbyterian Church and held other offices in Sunday school. They later attended the Methodist church.
Martin and Jane built a house in Canton about 1900 where they lived out their lives. Martin died in 1913. Jane died in 1928.

Stafford Station, Va. May 8/63

Dear Brother and Sister

I will write a few lines and have not written for some time on account of our moving. Ere you receive this you will know all about it and or I will not dwell on it for it is with difficulty that I can write on account of a would I received on Saturday last while under a murderous fire out about eight miles the other side of Fredericksburg.
The ball pierced through the fore finger of my right hand between the two joints. The Doc says it must be amputated at third joint. I wish it were [? corner page missing] for it won’t feel very pleasant but then ‘tis all for the union.
Our camp started with 72 I think and now they have but 32. I think for duty. A. Fullerton is here (fresh wound in the hospital) F. Distler - in the hand, here.
I shall speak of some that I hope you will not speak of to get to their folks for they may come in yet.
E. Smith, Henry Allen, George Emnush, Jacob Laurmen, Wesley Rusco, Richard Dailey. Wm. Salter and lots of others you must know are missing. Some say R. Dailey is dead. Our Capt. is dead. The regiment lost about 300 killed, wounded and missing. We do not know who has won the battle yet but I think we lost it. Our regiment [? corner page missing] marching orders again and am going ahead again, I think. Oh, how I should like to know what has become of the boys.
Don’t alarm the friends of E. for he may come in and I think he will for I think H. and he is with the 12 Corps for I saw them near and A. F. saw them there with them. C. Lord is safe.
I have written home and to Alice and [? J. or S.] C. and my hand gets tired.
It was the first fight and I hope it will be the last for it was awful and see so many ushered into eternity that but a few moments before were taking God’s name in vain. The man that stood at my right (a Corp.) fell dead at almost the first fire. The dead was piled in heaps especially the rebs where we moved them now with grape and canister.
Where they came on us they had at least 5 to our 1. The shots flew around us as thick as hail, whiz, whiz, whiz, as the roll of a drum [? mine] fell thick and fast. Sunday the war of cannon was awful. The fight lasted 7 or 8 days and I think is to be renewed again.
I felt [? Perfect] stay cool. I received no fear at all or but very little.
We were very tired for I had not had but one night of sleep for a week. ‘
We passed through the best part of Va. That I have seen and it must be a nice country in peace. I think we shall be all moved to Washington. I hope so. I had a letter from F. [? Mere] and Samuel yesterday. Father’s health is poor. I am afraid. Edward will make pawls at home. He is there and you know him. Write soon as direct as before except (11 Corps, 3 Div Hosp) and there it will not go to the regiment.
Remember me as your brother

Martin Abbott

P. S. Please excuse me not putting on a stamp as there is no place here. I can get one. If I go to Washington, I can get plenty.