Civil War Letter from James Carter of Pembroke Maine 1864

Civil War Soldier Maine Infantry

Here are excerpts from a letter James Carter sent to "Sister" Annie in 1864:

West Pembroke

Sep. 13/64

Sister Annie

Will’s family are all well. You do not seem to keep posted in family affairs of your relations for Will’s family consists of four children, on boy and three girls so it seems that little Louella, three and a half years old, and Minnie Imogene or something like that, born last April are entire strangers to you.....

You speak of your revolver and swords and the old musket that my Grandfather carried in the old Revolutionary War. It is more than one hundred years old, has been in two wars and is good for another. I think you and E. would fight a great battle, rather think you would take Richmond before soon if you was out there.....

Brother Lewis is home on furlough sick from the effects of a sunstroke. He is some better. Allen Brown is also home on furlough sick from the same cause. He is getting quite smart again. There is only thirty of their Reg[iment] left fit for duty and only two of their Company. They belong to Company “B”, 31. Some are buried at Spottsylvania, in the Wilderness before Petersburg, and some are in the hospital.....

Read the complete letter at Past Voices website

Credits: Image: Portrait of Pvt. George Henry Graffam, Company B, 30th Maine Infantry. U.S.A., age 18 Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print

KIA: 1863 Letter from Alvin Brown of Ohio Infantry

Removing wounded across Rappahannock River
after battle of Chancellorsville
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.32812

Camp Brooks Station March the 15th, 1863

Dear Father--

I am well at present. I hope when these few lines reach you, they will find you the same.

I did not receive a letter from you for about three weeks. I wrote you a letter to you a good while ago. I was waiting for an answer from you, but I did not receive an answer yet today. So I thought I would write another letter to you. I hope there is nothing wrong that you don’t.

I had wrote in my other letter for a fine comb and some black thread. If you get this letter, send me them things, if you can. I have not much to write this time. I must tell you one thing yet and that is, we expect to have a hard battle at Fredericksburg before long. I received a letter from George about three weeks ago. I could [not] answer his because I could not get any postage stamps. Nothing more at present.

Answer soon. Alvin Brown 

Alvin M. Brown of the 107th Ohio Infantry. The letter is undated and is not addressed. Alvin M. Brown was killed in action at Chancellorsville in May, 1863.

Read the Brown brothers letters:
Alvin 1862 | Alvin 15 March 1863 | George 29 March 1863 | George Oct 16 1863 | George 28 Jan. 1864

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1863 Letter Sergeant Neil A. Baker Company F, 50th North Carolina

Civil War Soldier, N.C. Regiment

Camp Near Goldsboro, North Carolina—February 1863

Dear Jane—

Having a good opportunity of sending you a few lines by N. T. Watson, I embrace it. This leaves me in my usual health, hop[ing] this will reach you and the babies enjoying the same blessing. Mr. Watson goes home on furlough for 14 days also Jack Thomas and Sgt. John Godfrey. Again I am acting Quartermaster Sgt. Vice [for] Wm J. Kelley [who has] gone home upon furlough for 14 days.

Again, I am acting Quartermaster Sergeant,“Vice”. William J. Kelley [has] gone home upon furlough for 14 days. John B. McFarland got an indefinite detail (for not stated time) to work in Goldsboro upon Guns for Government and I am pretty certain that he will get a furlough too, to go after his tools. One man for every twenty-five gets furloughs, but you see, Sgt. Kelly or J. B. McFarland furloughs has nothing to do with the furloughs of those of the Company.

We have a good many visitors, Rob, David Thomas and wives and mother. Absolum Kelly and Getty Cox came today. John Buchanan and daughter and Jasper Thomas’s wife came last evening and some others that came before.

We have good news! In today’s paper, our little Navy pitched into the blockading vessels at Charleston, South Carolina and cleared the Ranch—raised or opened the blockade without any loss on our side. I still have very flattering hopes that we will soon have peace again in our land. I have a very strong opinion that in a few days, the number of furloughs will be increased for because if they are not, you see one for every 25 men, it would take nearly or quite all the year for all to get home at that rate. If there is no threatening movement of the enemy soon, I am confident that the number will be increased. I want to go in this or the first of next month if possible.

Nothing more worth your attention.

…Yours truly, Neill A. Baker 

Source PastVoices.com: http://www.pastvoices.com/usa/baker63.shtml

The letter is addressed to Mrs. Sarah J. Baker of Chatham County, North Carolina. There is an additional notation on the envelope which states, Favor of N. R. Bryan care A.A. Harrington. Neil Baker mustered into Company “F”, 50th North Carolina on May 27, 1862. Sergeant Baker was the only one of his Regiment wounded on December 9, 1864 during the siege of Savannah, Georgia. Poor Baker only lived a few short days. He died of his wounds on December 16, 1864. Baker also had service in “G” Co., 17th Mississippi Infantry. He was promoted to Sgt. On or about January 15, 1863.

1862 Letter From Confederate Soldier Andrew Jackson Bass in Camp Lee Virginia

Soldier

38th Alabama Infantry, C.S.A.

October 31, 1862

Camp Lee, near Richmond.

Dear wife it is with pleasure I seat my self down to inform you that I am not well at this (time? ) [unreadable due to water damage] to be up I hope these few (lines?) may reach you soon and find you and the children all well. ?

I can say to you it would be more satisfaction to me to be at home with you and my dear little children. That is all so (?) and dear to me than it (unreadable) Confederate States is (worth ? unreadable) to me though I am here and (unreadable) for me to get off.

I was supposed to be examined yesterday. Dear wife, don’t grieve for me it will do no good but let me say to you pray for me with all your heart that if we never meet on earth again that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more.

Go to meeting as often as you can and take the children and tell at this point it ends and takes up on another page, sentence unfinished) Dear Wife let me say to you content yourself as much as you can. I think if peace is not made by Christmas I can get a discharge by then any how:

I will say to you we may be hear 2 or 3 months all that had had the measles was carried on to regiment the rest was left hear to stay til they have them. We are living on half rations. Here corn is 8 dollars a bushel sweet potatoes 6 dollars.

I can say to you I landed here this day was 2 weeks ago .I have been a waiting thinking I would get off and I will keep a trying for it . I don’t think they will keep me very long. I will say to you I want you to rite to me as soon as you can when you get this letter. Direct your letter to camp lee near Richmond in care of Colonel Sheets to the 3 Ala conscripts.

So nothing more at present only remain your loving and affectionate 

Notes: Andrew Jackson Bass was born 1830 in Blue Springs, Barbour Co, Alabama. He married Ellander "Ellen" Davis born July 28, 1839 in Abbieville, Henry Co, Alabama. They married September 17, 1857 in Barbour Co, Alabama. Their children were all born in Barbour Co. Children: Thomas B. Bass abt. 1857 Henry Wilburn Bass 1859 Andrew J. Bass,Jr. June 1861 Ellen had 2 children after her husband's death. Elsey Bass abt. 1865 John Jessie Marion Bass February 02, 1869 Ellen Davis Bass died abt. 1916 in Barbour Co, Alabama.

This letter From Andrew Jackson Bass to his wife, Ellendar Davis Bass Dated October 31, 1862 Written from Camp Lee, Virginia. He was in a hospital at Camp Lee, near Richmond, Virginia. He had contracted measles and died on November 20, 1862, just 20 days after this letter was written.
Source:http://www.pastvoices.com/usa/bass1862.shtml

1863 Civil War Letter from George B. Atkins to his father from Camp Douglas, Illinois

The Texas Republican
Marshall, Harrison County, Texas

Saturday, April 25, 1863

Camp Douglas
Chicago, Illinois

March 19, 1863

Dear Father

I write a letter to ARIE about a month ago, giving a statement of the condition of our company. Since then there have been so many changes in the prospects of nearly one half of us. When I wrote to Arie, there were two dead, H. T. WALKER and W. C. FORD. Since then ten more have departed this life, and now we have two at the hospital whose return, I fear, will be like the all the rest who have gone there; otherwise we are dong as well as could be expected—improving in health, getting plenty to eat, and receiving very good treatment. Money is scarce and no prospects of getting any, and of course, without it, we can procure none of the many delicacies we need when sick.

WILLIAM A. R. D. WARD is also dead. He belonged to Mill’s Regiment and was dead and buried before I knew of his sickness, I being sick at the time. The last time I saw of him, he was improving rapidly from an attack of cold, and seemed to be getting well. The next thing I knew, I saw his death published in a paper. Give my kindest regards to his parents and family, and tell them he did his duty in battle and died the death of a soldier, lamented by all of his comrades and acquaintances. Below you will find a list of the dead of our company since I wrote last:

• A.T. WALKER, Feb. 7
• W. C. FORD, Feb. 19
• W. S. CROWERS, Feb. 15
• W. O. TAYLOR, Feb. 17
• J. H. COIT, Feb. 19
• C. S. BURRAS, Feb. 24
• R. C. GRANBERRY, Feb. 24
• R. C. MELTON, Feb. 28
• J. L. CRAIG, March 2
• C. C. HALL, March 1
• L. G. HAVIS / HOVIS, March 14
• C. KEY, March 19
• J. W. GREEN, March 19

H. F. FERRELL is in the hospital with the smallpox. J. W. GREEN is also there with erysipelas. They were improving when last heard from. Beside these, there are no other serious cases among us.

The detachment of RICHARDSON’S company with us have suffered more than we, losing 7 out of 15 men. As some of them are writing home, I will only give the names of the dead. They are: HAWLEY, HENDERSON, GRAVITT, HINDS, HARRIS, HUDSON, and JARRETT. OSCAR JOHNSON has had a severe attack of erysipelas but is recovering and will be up in day or two. No others seriously sick.

Your affectionate son,
GEORGE B. ATKINS 

Source: http://www.pastvoices.com/usa/atkins-george.shtml

Dr. B. B. Allen to Dr. Charles H. Carothers of Missouri February 19, 1869

An 1869 letter

Freeport Sacramento County California

February 19, 1869

Dr. C. H. Carothers—

Sir—I presume that you will be surprised by the receipt of this letter, but I hope you will reply and I hope that this will be the commencement of a long and friendly correspondence. I am well ‘posted’ about the troubles in your country and rejoice when I reflect about the honor of ‘war’, and know that I escaped just in time to avoid the strife between the north and the south. I would have been classed with the Southern sympathizers and probably lost all of my property, if not my life, and sir, I was suspicious before leaving Mo that this would be trouble consequently, and my influence to persuade my brothers in law to immigrate with me and I do not regret it.

It is true, I am not as well contented as I have been in other countries, but I am living in the most delightful climate in the world, and have a good home and a good reputation. My practice amounts to about $2000 per year. I am living within 7 miles of Sacramento city. My practice extends about half way. You would be delighted with this country. We have no winter—our farmers plow and plant seed at all times of the year. All of the tropical fruits grow to perfection. If you move to this country, you will not regret it. You could do well in Sacramento City.

You are aware no doubt, that there is a great change in the treatment of nearly all ? Breeding, purging and starving our patients is to a great extent ‘played out,’ the physicians in this Country use but very little Calomel or Bluemass. Our treatment is from principally dimitres (?), drop(?) and tonics, --Quinine is used to excess in nearly all cases of fever. We have a great deal of Fever on Sacramento River or I might say in the Sacramento Valley.

As to mining, it is just in its infancy. New mines are being discovered daily and will be for the nest 500 years. The mineral wealth of this country is not known. George H. Parkson studied medicine with me graduated San Francisco and is now practicing in Dutch Flat.

Jos. Parkson is now reading with me and will attend lectures next summer in San Francisco. Sandy Parkson is going to school in Healsburg California.

California is ‘fast country.’ We have ‘fast’ men, ‘fast’ women and ‘fast’ horses. Our currency is Gold and Silver. Those who are so fortunate as to have any, spend it freely.

If you wish any information about this country, I will be happy to give you the [?] information. If you reply and promise to correspond with me regularly, I will write you long letters and give you some idea about the country, mines & c. & c. Do not come to the [?] that we differ politically and refuse to write. I am a conservative man and do not care but very little about political matter.

Consequently, we will leave politics out of our correspondence. Let me hear from Mr. Himik your father in law. Also Highwood and Simon Himik. Are you practicing medicine now? Do you do any that belongs to the duties of the profession now; ‘ on an empty stomach? Be sure to write me soon and I will write you interesting letter in reply.

Yours, B. B. Allen.

P.S. Let me know your opinion about Dr. Himik’s practice of medicine. Also Wook Lake Practice.

Union Civil War Soldier's Letter 1863

Potomac Creek Bridge ca 1861 to 1865

Union Civil War soldier's letter, dated Camp Massachusetts, Near Potomac Creek, Jan 28 1863, from Private George F. Stone, Company "D," 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, to his brother Perley

In part, "Here last night it began to rain, turning into snow ... a real 'Noth Easter' and now the mud and snow together are very deep and the possibility of operations on the offensive put far away into the future. I think I have written of our camping in the woods. 

You should see ... the large pines bending beneath its accumulated weight ,until one can hold no more ... woe to the unlucky .. who might be passing ... big patches have been dropping 'thud' 'thud' kerslap ... upon our tent ... I received ... the box in good order. The apples had not hurt to notice, nor the cakes and pie, tho' the little tunover had a coat of green and there was no lack of spice, the cover having come off the box of ginger, but that was no harm and we have plenty of the article, but the bottle of mint in solution was a puzzle, as yet I have only smelt of it. The mince and one cake ... have been tried and pronounced first rate, and also the apples. ... 

The boots are a fit, though large, which is a good fautt, the clothing all very acceptable and what I wished. I am much pleased with the knive and pocket book ... the diary and portfolio will daily find use ... " Also received a sewing kit. " I would like a needle or two in next letter, as those sent have eyes too small for black thread that we use. 

I should have received it ten days ago, but that last week our grand division, with the left guard division, made a move to attack the rebels; the intent was to surprise them crossing the river above Fredericksburg and so turn their works, but that weather was against us and ere, the pontoons were at the river side from the opposite beach. 

The rebel song 'Burnside in the mud' guided us and we were fast, so commenced 6 days in floundering above in the mud, accomplishing but a march of six miles and return, the loss in horses and teams very great. The prospect is worse now than ever. [Union generals] Burnside, Sumner and Franklin were relieved, and Hooker took the command of the whole Army Monday at 5 A.M. I can see enough to make us cheer or hope for a speedy end of this war. But hope for the best. 

I believe little 'Mac' [Union General George McClellen] will yet have to come back. We, the Army of the Potomac, will do anything. Desertions are very numerous,1,800 from one corps this year. Something is truly needed to put heart into the men ...

[signed] George F.

Union Civil War officer's letter dated Baltimore, Maryland, Oct 2 1864

Union Civil War officer's letter dated Baltimore, Maryland, Oct 2 1864, from 1st LT James McMillan, Company "C," 141st New York Infantry Regiment, to Sergt. Daniel Chase, Company "A," 1st New York Veteran Cavalry, Camp Piatte, Kanawha Valley, West Virginia.

The content, in part.

Sunday is a very lonesome day here, Dan, so I thought best to scribble you a few lines ... I had a pretty serious time of it here for a while, but managed to stick it out, the typhoid fever tried me on again, but found that I was a nut too hard to crack, this time at least. Bell, as usual, came down to see me. She heard that I was in Balto..That was enough for her. She had to start, expecting to find me very sick. I suppose but when she got here she found me planying enchre for the lager beer. I am to leave the hosp some time this week, but where I could not say. They tell me here that I shall go right to the regt., but I doubt it some: a dismounted camp with some glass eye in command rises up before my imagination. God knows I have rather be in H--- ... [signed] Jas. McMillan, Act. A. A. Genl

Item number: 260726282991

Scottish Immigrant, Mr. George Thompson

Civil War letter from a Scottish immigrant, Mr. George Thompson, resident in Cincinnati, Ohio, to family in Galashiels, Scotland. Dated August 15th, 1863. Observation is made of the number of Union troops in the city, returning from the Battle of Vicksburg. In particular he mentions the presence of the 79th New York Volunteers, the famously self-styled "Cameron Highlanders" "yesterday morning (August 14th, 1863). He notes their having "Scotch bonnets on (Glengarrys)" and a kilted piper and of their marching off to "Kentucky".

39th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment

Union Civil War soldier's letter, written in pencil, dated Camp 39th Reg. Wisconsin Volunters, Memphis, Tennessee, Monday, Aug 29 1864, from Sergeant Frederick William Friese, Company "A," 39th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, to his wife Mary in Milwaukee WI, with original stamped US 3c postgal envelope cancelled Memphis TN, Aug 29 (1864). The letter reads, in part, as follows, "I have just come in from picketing & have only time to write you a few lines before the mail leaves. We shall probably leave this place by Monday or Tuesday at latest & perhaps as early as Saturday. As soon as we get "marching orders," I will write you again as we shall probably leave within 48 hours after the receipt ... If Godfrey has not sent the money, mentioned in my last; when you get this, he need not send it & I shall try to get along without it. Any letters that may be sent here after we leave, will, of course, follow us. Let my folks know this ... [signed] F. Wm. Friese ...

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Camp Stevens 1862

Camp Stevens Nov. 16, 1862 / Mr. J. H. Greenwood / Dear Sir / Will you see that James Lynch returns to Camp tomorrow morning in the 11 oclock train. His Irish friends persuaded him home last night.We gave him permission to go the junction to see his friends off and he skidaddled. If you will take this trouble we shall be under renewed obligation to serve you at the earliest opportunity. P. S. If he refuses to come than arrest him. Truly Yours John D. Edgell for Capt. Ashley.

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Camp Michigan, Virginia,1862

Alexandria Virginia Soldier's Cemetery ca 1861-1865

Union Civil War soldier's letter dated Camp Michigan, Virginia, Feb 2 1862, from Private Edward A. Mitchell, Company "K," 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment, to his brother A. H. Winchell, PO Box 484, Detroit MI;

original stampless cover postmarked Alexandria Virginia, Feb 5 1862, with ovate "Due 3" postal rate marking, accompanies the letter. The content reads, in part:

"I would like to know how ... [his friends] are getting along in different parts of the Army. I receive letters from Kentucky, that is from Ben. The last I heard from him the regiment were going towards Bowling Green to guard railroads. He says he has not seen a Sesesch [rebel] and no signs of seeing any. He says he was well and getting along finely. 

And have you ever heard from Dick Thayer since he left Detroit[?] I believe the regiment is quartered at Baltimore, where it has been ever since it came from the state. I have no news to tell you. All the news we have got out of the New York and Baltimore [news] papers, which we get every other day, but I do not see one in two weeks. 

I have received two Weekly Advertisers in the last two weeks and I guess thery are going to come all right after this. I found a good deal of news in the last paper I received ... if you take any weekly papers, will you send one to me after you have read it ... [?] I have nothing to read and it would pass away a good deal of spare time. If you don't take any, why never mind ... I got so hungry that I had to quit writing and get some bread to eat before I could finish the letter. 

Stephen Lowell is sergeant. He was promoted about three or four weeks ago. I was going to have my picture taken with all of my dressings on and send it home, but I had not money enough so I will wait until next pay. I got all but six and a half dollars dollars of that twelve that was sent me & that Nat Jacobs owed me. He went away without paying me. He came to see me in the morning before he went, and he said he would come in the afternoon and see me again, but he did not come so I lost the money ... If you see him, try and collect it ... [signed] "Bro. Ed."

Selma, Alabama 1862

Civil War letter from Selma, Alabama from March 26, 1862. It is from A.L. Haden and is 3 pages long and is all handwritten. Here are some highlights of the letter:

Our people have not been fully aroused, they are now beginning to be and I hope ere long we shall be a unit, we are now fighting on the Mississippi River at Island #10 and if we hold that place and whip the enemy at Corinth I shall be very hopeful and if we fail there I will not despair for we shall then have to adopt a new policy which if vigorously carried would we will kill them off. I mean guerilla war. Ambush them and kill in every case where it is possible and this we can do when they undertake to march through the country as it seems they will do if they can, if we had built boats iron clad at the outset we would have whipped them long since…

The Merrimac is what we need at every place now and one such at each seaport would secure our safety it is late to begin but I am in favor of beginning now and moving as vigorously as possible. Mobile is threatened and if they take it we shall have their gun boats at this place, we have neither men nor arms here, but we have the torch, to burn everything they may want except our negroes, the cotton is what they mostly want now and that we do not intend they shall have, if fire will prevent them.

I have heard from Grey to the 12th Inst then near Fredericksburg. Willie I have not heard from so recently I suppose he is at or near Gordonsville, our army are getting much nearer home and the Yankees nearer to us, this seems to be hard I hope it is for the best, but I am inclined to fear that it exposes our weakness.

I intend to go to the mountains soon and take some hand up to plant corn for the poor soldiers wives who are left to make all they will have to live one. I feel very sad on account of that class of people. They have turned out and have gone to the war, until in many places none are left but the old men and women and children, and they are very poor, have no negroes and et the slave holders are not disposed to or send their negroes, fearing they may lose them, but their children have gone and many will never return, but they will not trust a few negroes to go when there is no dangers and this has caused the most of our troubles. We have been looking after money instead of our liberties until the enemy are all round us in immense force.

I have given up everything for the cause have lost sight of making money, ever since the commencement of this war, but have been giving until I have nearly given all for the cause of our country and still I am disposed to contribute and will be until the last is taken and if this will secure me life liberty and equality I am paid with interest for the sacrifice such I find to be my own case but not so much with many among whom I live and for whom I have no respect and will not have any thing to do with them.

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Civil War soldier's letter

Civil War soldier's letter dated Concord [Camp Berry], New Hampshire, August 25, 1861. From George W. Felch to his friend Adeline Jones of West Wilton, New Hampshire. He writes about how good things are in camp, the food, no women cooks yet, leaving for Washington soon.

Civil War Soldier's Letter

Civil War soldier's letter dated Cairo, Illinois, February 21, 1862 and written by Thomas Call, Company A, "Yates Sharpshooters", 64th Illinois Infantry, to "Friend Katie". .....He comments about family matters, and friends in the service, how much he hates Cairo but enjoys watching the rebel prisoners pouring in every day. About five thousand have come through, being sent to Alton and Camp Butler for the duration of the war. Steamboats going up the river to St. Louis.

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David P. Call of the David P. Call of the 4th Illinois Cavalry

Civil War soldier's letter with wonderful battle content about the war in the west. Written by David P. Call of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, General McLernand's Division, to his friend, dated somewhere in Tennessee March 29, 1862. He describes Commodore Foote's gunboats on the Mississippi capturing Fort Henry, his leaving Cairo by steamboat for Fort Donelson, with a highly descriptive account of the attack and capture of the fort, the role of the 4th Illinois, and the condition of the fort and the rebel defenders. Will then be heading past Corinth where the rebels have made a stand, General Grant with 125,000 troops and Buell coming with more.

Civil War soldier's letter, Norfolk, Virginia

Civil War soldier's letter, dated at the Signal Station near Norfolk, Virginia, December 13, 1863, from Julius Swain to his friend Frank....This letter, which is full of good content, contains the following highlights.....General Butler has laid a heavy hand on drinking shops and houses of ill fame...his order regarding darkies is refreshing....Swain's "boy" is joining the Colorado Cavalry...."the sight of a few black Zouaves and cavalry who are no doubt permitted to move round among the brethren have given a new imortance to enlistments and the niggers are gathering"....can't wait till Spring to be ready for the Rebs and Grant will get to Richmond, more......

This Civil War soldier's letter is up for sale on Item number:
200425775285

Feature Letter 1863 Civil War Letter from George B. Atkins to his father from Camp Douglas, Illinois

The Texas Republican
Camp Douglas
Chicago, Illinois

March 19, 1863

Dear Father

I write a letter to ARIE about a month ago, giving a statement of the condition of our company. Since then there have been so many changes in the prospects of nearly one half of us. When I wrote to Arie, there were two dead, H. T. WALKER and W. C. FORD. Since then ten more have departed this life, and now we have two at the hospital whose return, I fear, will be like the all the rest who have gone there; otherwise we are dong as well as could be expected—improving in health, getting plenty to eat, and receiving very good treatment. Money is scarce and no prospects of getting any, and of course, without it, we can procure none of the many delicacies we need when sick.

...continue reading 1863 Civil War Letter from George B. Atkins to his father from Camp Douglas, Illinois

Civil War letter written by Henry Stokes Figures

Today we feature a letter on PastVoices.com website. This is a Civil War letter written by Henry Stokes Figures on 9 May 1861 to his father

Henry S. Figures enlisted in the 48th Alabama on May 22, 1862. He was Adjutant of the 48th Alabama and was killed at the Wilderness Battle on May 6, 1864.

"My Dear Pa--

I received your letter and I received yours and Matties, Otey’s and Ma’s letters this morning dated the 5th--also your paper. I received my pay last Monday and would have sent it to you sooner, but was waiting for a letter. ..."

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Civil War Soldier's letter from R.F Edwards

A fantastic 1862 Civil War Soldier's letter from R.F Edwards is up for sale on Ebay. Item number:280399142907

The full text of the Letter reads as follows:
“Battlefield near Sharpsburg Sep. 24th Dear Parents, Again I write to you "Le mois de Septembre touche a sa fin." - The month of September touches it's end - as Sue beautifully says in his "Juif Errant". All things herald the coming decay. The cornfields are withered stalks - the distant breath of winter reaches us; involuntarily we are shivering here. The leaves show a faint change - the orchards groan under their heavy burden of ruddy apples - The heat of summer has departed - we are invigorated by the cooling winds that tell us of the North - all things tell of approaching winter. We are poorly prepared for the coming season. The regiment is nearly bare of shoes and underclothing - totally destitute of blankets and tents - and the poor fellows have little prospect of bettering their condition before the cold weather is upon them in its rigours. The men are covered with vermin - and in a most pitiable condition. But our Flag is full of bullet holes - the smoke of Battle has soiled its snow white and crimson folds - but letters of gold will ere we return. Second. The actions of Thorofare Gap - Bull Run - East Mountain and Sharpsburg - through which the gallant old 90th has passed triumphantly and won golden opinions from all by its spartan courage. I am proud of my Regt. - the National Guard - both as the 19th - and as the 90th. I wish that I had been in the Sharpsburg affair - for there will never in this war be another like it. Still I have seen all the horrors without positively being in the action. The dead and dying. Long lanes of dead fallen where they stood marked the Rebel lines of battle. All positions - some kneeling - others on their hand and knees - some peacefully lying there on that bloody field as if on some rose strewn couch. We still remain at this stupid place - no signs of the enemy - the daily thunder of cannon that for the past two weeks has been a familiar sound has ceased and all is quiet. We will move shortly - it is expected - to Harper's Ferry. I wish they would leave us there all winter - but time will show. There were two things I neglected to ask you to send in my last. One is very wicked I know but can't help it, must ask. 1. Knife spoon and fork - my other one was stolen long since 2. Penknife 3. !!!! (Just a small -ee) box of cigars Please pay for all these things out of my money if there is any left. And for mercy's sake do send me just a little change in a letter - but for goodness' sake don't Register it. I never can get it without a great deal of trouble when you do. It's just as safe the other way - (in small sums). I am still pretty busy - everything goes on smoothly and I am quite satisfied with my position - there is nothing more of interest to relate so I will close - My love to Aunt and Lizzie - and to the Ladies. Regards to all inquiring - write soon and direct as usual to Your affectionate Son R.F. Edwards”