82nd Pennsylvania Infantry - Johnson's Island

Item LTR-8298

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


Johnson’s Island
April 25th 1864

Friend Calvin,

I received your letter some days since and now I will proceed to answer it. I was glad to hear what I did from you. But it seems to me that news must be scarce time precious or something of this kind the matter. Suppose you will have to be excused this time though. Since I wrote you before, there has been some changes in the proceedings here. Three regiments of New York troops (65th, 67th and 122nd) of this brigade left here on the 13th inst.. General Shaler and staff also left. I hear that they have gone back to the old camps which we left near Brandy station. Our regiment, the 23rd Pennsylvania and the 128th Ohio, are here now. Most of the latter regiment (new troops) came when the others left. Colonel Bassett of the 82nd has command of this post at present. I don’t know whether we will soon go to the front or remain here this summer. The Rebs hate the 128th troops as they would the Devil. When the 128th are on the fence, the regs busy themselves by blackguarding them and even stoning them. They swear if all of the old troops leave, they will make a break and raise hob generally. It wouldn’t be wholesome for them to try it now and I guess there’s not much danger from them at all, as long as there is much of a force here. Forty-two reb officers were landed here on the 13th of this month for safekeeping. I understand they were sent from St. Louis. About 250 sick and maimed prisoners were sent from here to Fortress Monroe or Point Lookout last week for exchange. To be exchanged for our well officers at the rate of 4 rebs for 3 of our men.

Had a good-sized rainstorm during the last three or four days. But has come off fine again today. Grass is getting up green and nice on the Island. Don’t know how it is elsewhere for I haven’t been off the Island but once since we have been here.

Must bring this to close. Write when you can make it convenient.

Respectfully,

D. J. Taft