61st Ohio Infantry

Item LTR-10358

Description

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


Camp near Brentsville, VA

August 14th 1863

My Dear,

After one of the hottest days of the season, I take up my pen to address you a few lines as I sit here on a U.S. blanket with a shelter tent for a canopy. My mind wanders back to the pleasant memories and associations of the past. Here in old Virginia, with nothing but the unbroken plains and pines of Manassas for ideas. Life would indeed be dull if it were not for the future meeting of those whom we call friend. Having just returned from picket and I am happy to say I never enjoyed myself better since I have been in Virginia. I halted at a house belonging to a man by the name of Bodine to inquire if I could get some dinner. I was invited into the house and to take a seat, which I of course complied with. We entered into conversation and in this way passed half an hour. By this time, Miss Bodine made her appearance and told me that I could have dinner at twelve o’clock. I then returned to my reserve and tended to my patrols. It is necessary that I should explain here that we are about four miles outside of our own pickets doing outpost duty. A lieutenant has charge of the guards and send a patrol out three or more men under the charge of a sergeant or corporal and they scour all over the country for bushwhackers, spies and scouts of the rebel army. And sometimes a lieutenant will accompany them. Well, after I sent out a patrol, I started for my dinner. On my way there, I came across Lieutenant Duffee, also on his way for dinner. We both went there together, stepped into the house and took a seat. And then Miss Bodine favored us with some music and some singing which was very nice. Among the songs she sang was “When This Cruel War is Over” and the long, long “Weary Day,” and “Kiss Him for His Mother.” By this time, we were joined by Colonel Brown and Adjutant Farmer of our Regiment. After a little more music, dinner was announced and we all took our seat at the table and partook of a fine dinner. After dinner, we had some more music and singing and then we took our leave and were invited to call again. We were also invited to other houses. This is a settlement of Jersey people and very fine people they are. And Union people too. We got paid yesterday, but I can send you money this time. For it will take near all I got to pay my debts. We have been living very high since we left Stafford Court House. It has cost each of us in our mess over thirty dollars a month, besides other expenditures.

We have pretty hard duty out here. I go on duty every third day and so does all the other officers. The First Division of our corps has gone to Elonundery and from there I think they will go to South Carolina. Shurtz has now command of our two divisions and Howard has gone home on furlough. There has been some talk that our division is to remain where we are or near here guarding this railroad. We are about four miles Southeast of the Rail Road. There is nothing of importance transpiring here at the present and the probabilities are we will remain inactive for some time to come.

There is about one thousand conscripts arriving here daily from the East and it would please me very much if some were arriving from Ohio. Buti understand the draft is again put off for ten days. I hope to God that after a silly dead line as long as they have. In Ohio, they will put it into execution at the expiration of the ten days for we want our ranks filled up if we are to do anymore fighting and we are bound to have them. If not willingly, we will fore them at the point of the bayonet. I received your letter of the 2nd a few days ago and was glad to hear from you. But wish you in better health by the time this reaches you. And as regards to that letter that should have been written to me, I have as yet not received one and I don’t think I ever shall from that traitor. Nothing more at present, so I will just bring my letter to a close by wishing you well.

Yours most truly,

J. F. Mader Jr.

Miss Mary Hartmeyer
Circleville, Ohio

Please address next time

Lieutenant J. F. Mader
Company H, 61st Ohio Volunteer Infantry
1st Brigade, 3rd Division
11th Corps
Army of the Potomac

Accept a firm kiss fro