35th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-10425

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Camp Pierpont
Fairfax County, Virginia

March 9th 1862

My Dear Martha,

I now take up my pen to let you know that we are still in the same camp and getting along as usual. There has been quite a brisk time since I came back in the way of preparing to make a forward move. All the sick was moved this morning into the Georgetown Hospitals and I believe all the sick that is on this side of the river has to be removed today. I do not think that we will be here by the time you receive these lines. But I may be greatly mistaken. It is very hard for us to tell. We are all the time under very strict marching orders. And are not allowed at any time to be without four days rations. Also, our baggage is cut down to almost nothing. We are only allowed four wagons to a regiment. One of those is for two sixty rounds of ammunition for each man and each man has to have forty rounds in his cartridge box, which will make for each man, altogether, one hundred rounds.

The other three wagons are to transport provisions, we are to get what is called the shelter tents, one tent to every three men. The men carry them on their backs. We expect our tents tomorrow and may be today. We have had very pleasant weather for the last few days. The mud has pretty well dried up and the roads are getting good. I believe that Colonel Geary has taken possession of Leesburg. If we make a move, you need not expect to hear from one. Of some days, as we will not have a mail and I had better to write to you this week or ten days. The men are all quite health and looking fine. But do not like the idea of carrying their tents. It kind of takes them down somewhat. I rather suppose they will not need to carry them very far, although it is hard to tell. I believe I have nothing more to write at this time more than to tell you that I am quite well. I received the letter you sent to me last evening and was quite glad to hear from you. But I somehow do not know about opening my letter. But I suppose you know all about that one very straight out.

Well, I will close by hoping when you receive these lines, they may find you all well as usual with my best wishes to you all.

Your most affectionate,


William D. Dixon