27th Iowa Inafntry

Item LTR-10279

Description

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


Camp 27th Iowa Infantry
Six miles below New Orleans, Louisiana

February 22nd 1865

My Dear Wife,

Here we are at last in the mud and rain waiting for further orders and on the identical ground where the British army was defeated by Andrew Jackson some 49 years ago. We reached New Orleans yesterday afternoon, lay on the opposite side of the river an hour or so and then moved down to this encampment. Yesterday, we were amused and interested in watching the scenery on either bank of the river as moved along down. After passing Baton Rouge, the banks present the appearance of fine residences in the suburbs of a great city. All the time, there were from one to a dozen sugarhouses in sight. There were many beautiful mansions and nearby the negro quarters gave the appearance of fine little villages. On some of the plantations, there must have been fifty or sixty negro houses. Generally painted white, sometimes yellow. One house, the main part had 15 windows in a tier and was three stories high. Making forty-five windows in front and then one each side were wings, themselves fine houses. All around were heavy pillars. The grounds around were planted with large evergreens, live oak most conspicuous. Orange trees in profusion shining with golden colored oranges, but they are not fit to eat, being as sour as lemons. Among the large shrubbery, the dark green foliage of the fig was prominent. Notwithstanding these beautiful sights, there is an unsatisfactory feeling pervading that I can account for in no other way than that one does not like the location of a residence nearby a vast river several feet higher than all the surrounding country.

The river is dammed up on both sides or the whole country where those large mansions are would be overflowed so that the river steamers might float at pleasure. We have seen no sunshine for two or three days and last night the regiment debarked in the rain. I was brigade officer of the day and remained on the boat overnight.

It is expected that we shall be on board Gulf Steamers within a few days. We shall not doubt have a touch of that nautical complaint sea sickness. Our destination is said to be Mobile. There we shall have a new experience in warfare. Dr. Hastings has gone into a hospital in the city or expected to last night, when I last saw him. He may get an order to proceed north as Lieutenant Snyder did at Vicksburg. I suppose he, the doctor, has written to Mrs. Hastings. If not, and this should be the first she hears of his being sick, say to her that the doctor’s trouble is neuralgia in the head. I think he will be about in a few days and perhaps accompany us to Mobile.

I have frequently heard the doctor speak of New Orleans as a very healthy place at this season of the year. And for that reason, I am induced to think he will stay in the city unless on account of being with his brother, he should prefer to go to Memphis. If he could get an order to that effect. Give my respect to Mrs. Hastings.

It has been some time since I have received any word from you. I suppose of course that you and the children are well and enjoying the winter, cold as it may be. It is not very warm here yet. Since being here, we have had a stiff sea breeze. Generally cool with occasionally warm streaks intermixed. The boys say they have seen peas in blossom in the gardens.

My health is good but every day makes me more and more tired of soldiering.

With love and kisses for yourself and the children. I remain as every yours.

O. Whitney