43rd New York Infantry

Item LTR-10800

Description

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

 

Headquarters, PH New York Regiment, 43^rd
Company K
Prospect Hill
Camp Griffin, Virginia
 
1862
 
Mr. Stone
 
Distant and respected friend,
 
I have just got the tobacco sent, I thought I would send it to you accompanied by these few lines, which I hope will find you and all of the family in good health.  I am well myself at the present time with the exception of a cold.  But I am getting over it.  I wrote to Lee 2 weeks ago and sent him my miniature.  He has not answered my letter yet.  If he has, I did not get it.  Tell him I want him to write me a few lines and let me know whether he got mine or not.  Now friend, how when you make your bed for your tobacco seed select a piece of fresh land.  Let it be wood land and where the sun will strike it?  Or service the ground well for it to take off all roots when you sow your seed and get them off to a start.  And water it thoroughly.  When the plants are a good size, transplant in good rich ground with good top soil.  You must see that the plants do not get wilted while they are young and tender from the hot sun.  
 
Now friend Stone, I do not know of anything going on here that might be interesting to you.  We are under marching orders for the last 3 weeks.  But I think we will not move before spring.  Then I suppose there will be a general move with the enemy.  I had a letter from Fred Creasey a few days ago.  He said that Steven was coming home.  I hope he will for I am afraid that he is not tough enough for a soldier.  I believe I will now have to close my letter by saying give my best respects to Miss Stone, Lee, Frank, Marion, Mr. and Mrs. Morris and to Steven if he is at home.  
 
Please write if you get this, for I shall like to know you got it. 
 
I remain your sincere friend,
 
Patrick Franklin
 
Direct as before.  Goodbye for the present.