72nd New York Infantry
Item LTR-10794Description
Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.
Camp Caldwell
September 26, 1861
My Dear Wife,
I received your kind letter in answer to mine which made my mind easy on account of you receiving my remittance of money and also in hearing that yourself and Margeret are in good health as I am at present. Thank God for it. My dear wife I would like you for to answer all my letters as soon as you receive mine, as you can not think how uneasy a man feels here when there is any delay in him getting an answer to his letters, as his mind does be so uneasy as to the reasons for not answering them.
Our living here is very fair but we are very hard worked as we are nearly all the time both day and night doing duty. But still we cannot complain as that will do us no good.
I am very happy to hear that you put Margeret to a trade hoping that Margeret will be a sensible and good girl and stick by and take the advice of her mother and let her become all she can. And with the blessing of God, if I live to return I will be able to set Margeret up in business for herself. For let us be discharged, when we will get $100 dollars a man at the time of our discharge.
I sent Margeret a little present the rose of Washington that she may think of me. I will send a present to yourself in a short time as soon as I can get a chance for to go to the city but that is a chance which is not easy to get. You can judge by the envelope that enclose this letter what we have to pass through as I can see no better resemblance of what we go through.
I send my kind respects to Mrs. Murphy, Edward Darcy and to all enquiring friends, hoping they are all in good health. I will say no more at present but finish this with my sincere love to yourself and Margeret.
I remain your affectionate husband,
Edward Brierly
Direct your letter to me
Company C, 3rd Regiment Excelsior Brigade
Colonel Taylor Commanding
Camp Caldwell, D. C.