15th Pennsylvania Cavalry and 67th & 92nd United States Colored Troops - NEW

Item LTR-10814

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.

 

Morganza, Louisiana
February 15^th 1864
 
My Dear Father,
 
I have been thinking of home and all the loved ones there this morning.  It seems to me as if I could do as bear anything if I could get home once more.  But it is no use wishing for that will not accomplish anything.  The two Lieutenants who I wrote about as having gone home on a leave came back last evening.  I cannot get a leave now.  As there are two officers who have leave in now.  It would be hardly any use in my getting but thirty days leave as it would take at least fifteen to go home and get back.  About all the officers have come to the conclusion that we will not be consolidated.  As our regiment has received one hundred and sixty recruits and has had three hundred assigned.  We expect a lot more in a few days.  A great many of the recruits deserted on the way.  The office that was in charge of them has been put under arrest.  As it is thought that he did try to keep them from going away.  The 65^th Regiment also received a lot of recruits so that if we should become consolidated, we would number about 1,300.
 
We received news here that Sherman was advancing on Charleston.  I hope he will soon take that Black Hole of Succession.  It is reported that Grant has made an advance on Richmond.
 
There is late news from Mexico that Maximillian has acknowledged the Confederacy.  Also, that he has ceded several of the Northern States of Mexico to the French.  There can be no doubt but what we will have war with France eventually for Maximillian is but a tool of Louis Napoleon.
 
There is a very large contraband trade carried on between Texas and Mexico.  There are a great many rebel deserters in Mexico and it is said that the French are arresting them and sending them back.
 
There is a large expedition fitting out in this Department.  Troops have been passing down almost every day for the last two weeks.  And a great part of Thomas’ Army is expected to pass here today.  It is said there are sixty-two boats loaded with troops in the force coming down.
 
We do not expect to leave here soon.  The Colonel thinks we will stay here this summer.  I do not like the idea of spending another summer here like the last was.  
 
I had a letter from Charley Weller lately.  It seems by his letter that the 15^th was having some pretty active service.  
 
I have not received a letter from you for three weeks.  The last one I received from home was written by Frank on the 16^thof last month.  I have not heard whether you received the money I sent or not.  The Lieutenant, I sent it with, has come back and I feel a little anxious about it.  But hope you have received it by this time.
 
I intend to put in for a leave of absence at the last of this month.  If it is approved, I will perhaps get home by the middle of next month.  Although I do not feel very confident that it will be approved.  I suppose John and Casey with their families have entirely forgotten me.  For I have not heard from them.  I do not remember when.
 
I suppose by the time this reaches you, George will be married.
 
I will close.  Remember me to Mother and all the family and friends.
 
I remain, your affectionate son,
 
Adam T. Krepps
 
Excuse poor writing as it is in a great hurry that I write this.