3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery

Item LTR-10620

Description

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


Hilton Head

January 19, 1864

Dear Edwin,

I received yours of 17th this afternoon and am very glad to hear you are getting along so much better than I feared when I was with you last week, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. You know I am always hopeful, always try to look on the bright side. But until you slept Tuesday night, I expected you would live but a very short time or if you did, that you would be insane. Those were terrible days and I trust never to see such again. It almost made me sick to see you. For you suffered more than a man ought to in a whole lifetime. But you are all right now. You have left off drinking and I have full faith that you still stick to it through it. It will be hard work, for you will be sick and weak for some time. But you can keep from it, if you will and if there is anything I can do to help, you know I am always ready.

I am afraid Sam Dexter is not the right man for you. He likes liquor so well himself that he thinks it is good for everyone. And when you feel badly, I am afraid he offers it to you. Don’t you think you will do best to get rid of him? You do not say but I suppose you have given up the idea of keeping liquor to treat people who come to the Fort. People whose good opinion is worth having will think far more of you and it is impossible to do it without drinking yourself. You have the authority and I think should order the Quartermaster not to keep a drop of whiskey for sale to officers.

You may rest perfectly easy about Fred. There has been no trouble between him and any of the other officers. It was only one on you many fancies and you fancied the officers myself among the number, were all trying to injure you. But I do not know of one who does not wish you well. You speak about active service but I don’t think there will be any in this department at present. And you are in good winter quarters for you had better take good care of your health and be ready when the time comes for work. Do not think of resigning. But keep up good courage and you will be all right yet.

Do not fret about money matters. You will be able to pay up and Fred can help you. I wish I could but it will take me three months to pay for my horse and new clothes. I think I can figure closer than you and perhaps could give you some advice if you want me to. General Seymour enclosed $5. Which you sent for the service journal and says the first number has not arrived “but the Colonel’s promptness is admirable” and advises forwarding the money to the publishers. Shall I do so? Or perhaps Lars will have it. I will see.

The Fulton arrived tonight, no news. Congress has extended the time for re-enlisting to March 1st and I think we shall get a good many men. The money to pay the troops arrived and Major Dorman told me he should probably go to Pulaski before going to Morris Island. Tell the Chaplain I will find out when he is coming if possible.

Sarah wishes to be remembered by you. She and Georgy are well. Come and see us when you are able.

I forgot to tell you that Department Headquarters are moved here and I have heard that General Terry has command of both, Folly and Morris Islands.

Truly Your Brother,

George