3rd Wisconsin Light Artillery

Item LTR-10016

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Chattanooga, Tennessee

March 5th 1864

Dear Brother,

I have been looking for a letter for a long time. But it does not make its appearance as yet. Your 4 papers reached their destination on the 20th. So, I made up my mind that you were still on earth. I was very glad you sent them and like the papers very much.

We have been having a hard snow storm. On the night of the 22nd, the snow fell so fast, that on the 22nd it measured 10 inches on the level. It also snowed last night. But today it has melted and raining actually.

I am in my tent today and have the blues in the highest degree. I have got tired of living such a life and being a slave for shoulder straps.

Wile I work hard, all day at thirteen dollars a month, citizens are heard to do the same labor and receive $60 a month. And don’t work any harder than I do and are no better workman.

Same time, I think I will never raise a hammer again while I am in the army. But on the other hand, if I intend to work at my braid after this (which I do), it will be better for me to keep in practice. I get along with my work first rate. But have lots of it to do. I don’t have time to do much extra work at present. But have 2 or 3 old colored friends that I always take time to work for. And they always pay. Nothing pleases a N****r more than to have a white man to trade with. And I have come to the conclusion that they are good circumstances.

Old Cap leave the battery in a few days if reports are true. For General Jonesboro staff Livingston has resigned and we have the prettiest set of officers (over the left) you ever saw. Lieutenant Colburn is a fine officer. But he has charge of this train and nothing to do with the Battery.

I hope you will write often. As you can and remember I am always anxious to hear from you.

With love to all, I remain as ever,

Yours Truly,

Elijah