39th Pennsylvania Infantry - Wounded at North Anna River, VA - NEW

Item LTR-10822

Description

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


Washington
August 10, 1861
 
My Friend
Mr. West Paden,
 
I will as a soldier make a few black marks for you.  I was out in the country and stole some peaches.  The man told us that we was welcome to them, he said that he could not keep them and that he might as well give them away as to fight with the soldiers for they would have them anyway.
 
Some of the boys is writing and some of them are playing cards and some of them are shooting at mark.  I spend my time at writing letters but can’t get any answers.  I shall quit it very soon and give it up for a bad job.
 
I have saw more black folks since I left home than could stand in a ten acre field and very few white folks.  Some of the black folks are free and some are not.
 
I send my best respects to one and all.
 
Nothing more at present.
 
Respectfully yours,
William Paden
 
Write soon
To, Miss S. A. Paden