Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.
Annapolis, MD
December 20, 1861
Friend James,
Your kind favor of the 16th is at hand for which please accept my kind thanks. I hope you will excuse me for not writing you sooner but will try and keep you posted on my adventures in Dixie Land.
For let me be south or west, I shall never forget our old school days and a letter from you will always meet with a kind welcome. There is not much news to write that shall interest you. The weather here is about the same as October with you.
There is now some 15 thousand troops here and they will probably be off soon. There was a grand review today. I wish you could have seen it. It was quite a training.
I see only Wilson and Henry Baily often, they are in good health and ready for a fight.
I should be happy to send you my picture could I get one taken here. The one I sent Carrie was taken in Hartford. Should the chance occur to have one taken, I will send you one. I suppose you have a good time going to parties and kissing all the pretty girls. This is a luxury we poor soldiers have to do away with should we ever get back we will try and make up lost time.
Write again soon and I will try and write you a longer letter in reply but it is time for drill so goodbye.
I have to use my knee for a writing desk so overlook all blunders and oblige your old friend and schoolmate.
T. D. Hill
Direct the same as your last.