Battery F, 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery

Item LTR-10599

Description

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


Transportation Office
Quartermaster’s Department
Alexandria, Virginia

December 26, 1862

Dear Mother,

A Merry Christmas to you all (loved ones at Home) and may the New Year about to dawn upon you, prove one of happiness and prosperity. Although the prospects are so dull, I hope and fervently pray that the year that is so soon to come into existence, shall have passed away. That our Glorious Union may again be restored and our people living again in harmony and peace.

What a sad Christmas to many. How many are mourning over the loss of dear friends, fathers, sons and brothers who went forth nobly and patriotically to sustain a government (the best that the eyes of the world have ever beheld) and have fallen victims of misplaced confidence.

Now is the time to review the actions and events of the past year, and in looking back, we find that we have had our sorrows and afflictions, although we have not sent out brothers forward to die upon the field of battle, still, around the family board, and in the family circle, a vacancy is found. Whom that vacancy did fill with a mild and patient spirits. A brother, beloved and endeared to us all, has been called away. Called to meet what a happy thought that we have added one to that Angel Band that is heavenly spirit is watching over us. Guiding us in the paths of virtue which lead to peace. What a prospect is much fed to us, that if we live righteously and properly, we shall all meet again in Heaven. That when we die, “We shall go home to our Father’s House. To our Father’s house in the skies; where the hope of souls shall have no blight. Our love no broken ties.”

Christmas here is celebrated by the firing of guns and the display of fireworks and by getting drunk. We celebrated ours by a good dinner (something very uncommon in these parts). After which a horseback ride. And in the evening, we had a bucket of Eggnog brandy, but knowing my character for sobriety, did not indulge to any extent in the intoxicating beverage. And I can yet say, although I have the credit of being a topper, that I have never yet felt the effects of liquor and having its bad effects so prominently before me in others. I intend to preserve that fair characters I so justly deserve and I think I the more deserve that credit since my journey here. As I have been subject to all the demoralizing influences of an army life. And, if I have refrained from making a brute of myself, so much more the credit. Although Father seemed fearful when I was at home that I had departed from the paths of rectitude. Still, I hope to show him if I should again return to stay, that I am not maternally changed except I hope for the better.

Well, Mother, I have now a position that is one. I am Superintendent of the Transportation Department. Have everything in my own power (am boss). The Captain merely signing official papers. I am held accountable for everything that transpires. Can go when I please and return when I get ready. Am at liberty to go home at any time for a few days. But will not leave until I am fully satisfied all will go straight. Everything has to conform to my rules and regulations and I have the pleasure of knowing that the Captain has the utmost confidence in me and will uphold my every act. This at $1200 a year with rations. I think quite nice.

Once more, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Affectionately,

William H. Trump