7th Maine Infantry

Item LTR-10423

Description

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


Camp Near Lee’s Mill, Virginia

April 15, 1862

Dear Father,

I suppose you are longing to hear from me. I have not written for so long a time. The reason I have not is because I have not had the postage stamps. The Captain has now told us that we can send our letters by having soldier’s letter and the Major’s name on the envelope. But it will have to be paid at the end of the rout. We are now lying in gunshot of the enemy. I have seen a little fighting a week ago last Saturday. Ran on the enemy’s forts. They fired into us. Our regiment was in advance of all other regiments and our company the first to engage them. Only one of our regiment was killed. The 7th Maine has a good name. we laid under the enemy guns six hours without flinching and they shot and shell among us. Our pickets and the rebels are within hailing distance of each other. Warwick Creek separates us. We have just received the glorious news Beauregard is taken and his army. I hope it is so. My health is very good and I hope yours is the same. I suppose you will miss me when the spring’s work is near at hand. But you must not work too hard. The talk is now that we shall be paid off this week. I hope we shall and then I will send you all the money I can. There is three months’ pay due us. But I don’t know as we shall get but two. I have just been told that I have got to go on picket. So, I can’t write much more.

I have received Corilla and Yhirza’s letters in due season. But have not answered them. Sometimes we get enough to each and sometimes not. I have seen some hard time. I must now draw to a close and will give my love to all.

Please write as soon as you receive this.

From your ever affectionate son,

Marcellus Cushman
Warren County, Virginia

You can direct your letters to Fortress Monroe or Washington, DC

Envelope addressed:

Soldiers Letter
S. W. Hyde
Major
7th Maine Regiment

Mr. Isaac Cushman
Leeds Center, Maine