6th & 8th New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-10554

Description

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


Rum Point
January 7th 1862

Dear Sister,

I received your kind letter just now and was glad to hear from you and that you were well. But sorry to hear of Uncle being sick. You said you had not received a letter from me. Sister, I have wrote two – one just after I got my box of things which came to me safe enough with the exceptions of a few of the pies that were mashed by the jar of pickles. But I enjoyed my chicken and other things.

Now you all no doubt would like to see me come home just as bad as I would like to come. Now if you would just write in your next letter that some of the family was very sick and wasn’t expected to live, I would show the letter to Captain Burling and no doubt that what he would give me a furlough to come home. I have seen Jim Colwell and he told me he was coming home on a furlough. The regiment he belongs to is only a half a mile from ours.

Dear Sister, never think that I have forgot my home. For I have not and never will as long as I draw breath. I am proud to think that I have a place that I can say, that’s my home. There’s where I have a doting grandmother, and affectionate uncle and loving sister. And God forbid that I should turn traitor to my home. I can see my mama sitting by the stove with her arms folded and head resting on her knees. And likewise, uncle, the same, while my sister is penning a few lines to her only brother, that has gone forth in the defense of his mother country to protect her rights.

Dear Sister, I am writing just as I feel. It is early in the morning and the glorious sun is shining down upon us with all the rays. The boys are building log houses to live in and when finished, will be warm. I hope you will never think that I have forgotten home. I am very well satisfied here as long as I can hear that all is in good health at home and getting along in regards living.

We have signed the payroll and expect to be paid off in a day or two. And I will send it to you as soon as I get it and use it as you like. Never let hard times worry you. If you want coal, send me word and I can have it hauled right to your door for you from Burlington. All I have to do is to go to Captain Burling and tell him – he keeps a coal yard in Burlington – and he will send word to his brother.

I will have to bring my letter to a close. Sending you all my love. My regards to Aunt Lacy.

Truly yours,

George W. Hill

Write soon as possible and let me know how uncle is. I shall be uneasy till I hear from him. Goodbye. Goodbye.