8th New York Militia - National Guard

Item LTR-10363

Description

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


Camp Dix
Yorktown, Virginia

August 10th 1862

My Dear Sister,

I received your short letter yesterday and intended to have answered it before, but I wrote Edward and Father a letter, and by doing so, I had not time to answer yours with greater dispatch.

It is raining and storming here very hard. The tent I am in trembles like an Aspen leaf under the terrible blasts of wind. The lightning is terrific. So, I can hardly see, as it blinds my eyes. I am quite sick from imbibing too many peaches and stewed apples. Dr. Smith has given me some medicine which I hope will bring me about in a few days.

Dear Lottie, I think I shall join McClellan’s army for three years or the war. I have written Father on the subject and if he gives his consent, why I shall enlist. What do you think of it? It is no more than right that I should help our glorious “Union” as well as anybody else. If I do join, I shall join a cavalry regiment as I will have a horse to ride instead of walking.

I have enjoyed myself here first rate. I have a horse to ride nearly every day. I have scouted all around here for a distance of ten or fifteen miles. Of course, I did not walk.

We expect to leave here about the 29th of this month. But the general impression here is that we will have a “good battle before we leave.” Gog grant that I may live to return and embrace you and all again. But remember, dear Lottie, if I die, it is in a good cause and you will never be ashamed to say that “my brother died in the defense of his country and that he was not a coward.”

Give my love to dear Aunt Catherine, Gus and Kneeland and if Mr. and Mrs. Pullen is there, remember me to them. Please ask Aunt Catherine and Gus and Kneeland to write me. You can give the address to them and be sure to write me a good long letter as soon as convenient.

Also, please remember me to Tillie and the rest of the Kirby’s and don’t forget to give my best respects to Miss Emma Jarvis.

With this letter you have the love of your affectionate brother,

Corporal N. Gano Dunn
Yorktown, Virginia

If you write home, tell them that I had rather have some money than a box.

N. G. D.