1st North Carolina Infantry & 3rd North Carolina cavalry

Item CON-9441

Description

Original Civil War Confederate letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Goldsboro, North Carolina
February 7th 1863

Dear Friend,

Your letter was received some time since and it would have been answered ere this but when I received it, I was on the eve of being transferred to Goldsboro. And thought when I got there, I would reply immediately. But I was taken very ill again. So that I could not sit up long enough to write a letter. Therefore, had to defer it till today. I have been here seven days and this is the first time I have felt like writing a letter.

Before leaving Tarboro, I felt nearly well. But when I reached this place, I was tolerable bad off. It seems that this chronic diarrhea is a hard disease to get clear of.

If I remain here much longer, I intend to try for a furlough. But I can’t tell how long I will remain here, as Dr. Graves transfers some of the sick nearly every day to Wilson. He had my name on the transfer list the other day to go to Wilson but I begged off. He told me I could stay awhile longer. If he will send me off, I am going to try to get him to send me to Wilmington or Raleigh. I will not go to Wilson if I can avoid it.

The troops have all got back from Newbern. But did not take the place. Though they got about 200 prisoners with a loss on our side of about 50 killed and wounded. Our troops got within half a mile of the town and found it so well fortified that they could not enter. Another great failure on our coast.

Why did you not tell me what lady that was you received a letter from the same day you got mine? Inform me. In your net. Was it Jennie? I received the letter she sent to Ringwood for me and it was a nice one too. I tell you Joe, I think her a very nice lady, worthy of any man who can win her.

I was very sorry to hear of the disturbance that took place at Alfred Moore’s. And more specially to hear Joe Kimball was one of the participants. I would have been delighted to have been with you at Jon Hervey’s. for I know I would have enjoyed myself exceedingly well. I suppose you had an agreeable time with P.A.W. I am glad to hear it. I am glad indeed to know she thinks something of somebody. Hope she will treat you well to the end. She looked mighty well at Rosser’s.

Yes, Joe, you have a pretty heavy tax to pay this load of poles surely. But you need not mind that as you are making so much money. You fellows can bear up under it very well.

Write me what they are doing with your discharged and substitute men in that section. Also, let me know what has become of Tyree. I have not heard from him in some time.

Please show Billy this letter. I want him to come to see me next Saturday (if I don’t write to him before then) and help me out in getting a furlough. He will find me in the upper story of the hospital (Ward D) on Bed No. 92. But if I should leave here before then, for any other hospital, I will write him by next Friday’s mail. If he come, you can answer this letter by him. If you do not write to him, you need not write till you hear whether I go from this hospital or not, for fear I may never get the letter.

There are a few men here who are very sick. One in my ward who I don’t think can live much longer.

Please say to Mr. Lewis I beg his pardon for writing such a letter to him as I did some time ago. I did not intend such a rough one. It was done under a fit of excitement which sick in a frightful mood. I must close. Excuse this dull and insipid letter. As my mind is very weak now. Present my regards to all inquiring friends and especially the female set, etc..

I remain as ever your friend,

T. Pullen