15th New York Engineers

Item LTR-10143

Description

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


Headquarters, 15th New York Volunteer Engineers
Camp Alexander

October 5th 1862

Dear Uncle,

Yours of September 24th was received on time but the promised letter from Aunt Stella has not yet arrived. I was very glad to hear from you and learn how things were going on at home. I am glad to know that the business concerning the house is settled. Will it be necessary for me to be at home before my term is out (next May) to attend to any business? Or can you do without me? It is very hard, almost impossible, to get a leave of absence at this time. Except in case of dangerous sickness. I would like very much to get away for a few days this fall and pay you a visit. But hardly think it possible. Our movements are very uncertain. There is rumor in camp today that we are to be ordered to the front in a few days. Our regiment is very busy now. Two companies are guarding the bridges over the eastern brank. One company is fitting out a pontoon bridge to go on the next call. The balance are out every day making gabions, fascines and instruction. New regiments in the artillery, also digging rifle pits, repairing forts, etc.. Then we have over 200 recruits in camp that are being drilled every day and about as many more in New York to come on. I draw now 879 rations for men here on the ground. I have been busy since we came here getting new clothing for the men, equipment for recruits. All kinds of camp equipage, new harnesses for horses. Have had my wagons all repaired and everything ready for another campaign. Then I have to get all provisions for the men, forage and grub and everything else that the regiment requires. So, you may imagine, I have enough to attend to. I am feeling very well again and have an excellent appetite. Since I received your, I have had letters from Albert and Fanny. Albert is still Lieutenant Colonel of the 30th. Their stationed when he wrote at Jackson, Tennessee. He was well. Have lately been to Carlyle and left Maggie and the children all well.

I enclose an extract about him that Charley Ransom cut out of a paper and sent me a few days ago. He says Fanny’s health is much better this fall. That it has been for some time before. I have called at the Ebbett House several times. But Frank had not been in since he left. So, I suppose he is out at some depot attending to the delivery of ordnance stores. I will write you as soon as I hear anything of him. I heard of Tracy and Carltin in town the other day. But did not see them. I have not happened to see any of the new men from home that have been here.

I hope you will see some safe place to invest that money there is in the Bank before long. It seems wrong to have it idle so long. If I had the friends, I would invest them. Some improved farms can be bought in Virginia in the neighborhood of Washington at 10 and 12 dollars an acre. The people are too frightened there. They will sell at most any price. There is some risk but a good chance I think to make money. Wen is the proper time for the division of our property? I suppose we will all three of us have to be present then.

I get no war news except from the papers. Read the NY Herald, Washington Star every night. The new troops are being sent out as fast as they come in. well, I suppose something grand will be done before long.

My love to Aunts Stella, Hattie and Carrie. Tell Aunt Stella I am looking for her letter any day. Hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain as ever, Yours,

C. P. Bacon