1st Potomac Home Brigade - Cole's Cavalry

Item LTR-10428

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


New Creek Station
June 28, 1862

Dear Parents,

I arrived here in the passenger train at sundown of the 26th and I am here yet as you see. I have seen several members of my company since who report that our company is Petersburg, Hardy County, VA. As I have no map, I do not know what county New Creek is in, but the station as well as the county is in the state of VA. You can see by looking at the map. Direct your letters to “New Creek Station_ County, VA (in care of Captain Firey) 2nd Brigade, Potomac Home Guard and it will reach me safely. I am here at the “Strangling Home” and have a whole tent to myself and a cook to get my meals. I have nothing to do. My tent is about 30 yards from the bank of the Potomac. A spring of good water is about same distance off. There is a large amount of government stores here and 2 ½ regiments of infantry to guard them. A very high hill, half encircled by high breast works, is mounted with 7 or 8, 12 and 6 pound brass cannon. General Mulligan, of Missouri fame is commander of post.

Yesterday P.M. we had a monthly review. General Kelly and part of his staff were present. The regiments here are the 23rd Illinois, 87th Pennsylvania and half of 2nd Maryland. The 87th is a well drilled regiment and a company of Zouaves attached to it are completely secured in their branch of military art. They are far superior in drill to the Zouaves d’Afrique of General Banks, bodyguard. The music we have here is very fine, but the wickedness of the men is awful to think of. The artillerist practice with both shell and shot every day. In our rations which we use, we have whiskey, strongly diluted with vinegar. This promotes the health, so it is said.

I was not pleased, very well pleased with my ride in the cars. The coal dust blew too much in my eyes. If I had been so much, a rascal aping passage would have cost me only 15 cents. My fare was $3.15. It is thought that our company will be here in a few days and move so since all the military stores have been moved from Moonfield to Petersburg.

The corn crop will be far better about here than at Clear Spring. I saw a large field of corn all of which was about knee high. I suppose you are preparing for harvest? If it was done, I would feel happier than I now do.

Do not forget to forward Eddie’s letter. That cake which I brought along ate very good, I assure you.

Write to me soon. My love to all.
Your affectionate son
Joseph Kershner