3rd New York Cavalry - NEW

Item LTR-10823

Description

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


Camp near Darnestown
November 10, 1861
 
Dearest Friend,
 
If I have failed to write to you sooner believe me it is from want of time and not an intentional omission.  I will not fill the sheet with excuses but rely upon your generosity to pardon me.
 
When we first arrived in Camp Bates, I wrote to your father and received no answer.  Last evening I received a letter from Rufus Dryer and in it he says that no letter has been received from me.
 
Until the present time it has been impossible for us to procure postage stamps and we have been obliged to get the colonel to frank letters so they have not probably been so particular about forwarding them.
 
Last week we were stationed at Mechanicstown to guard the polls on election day, and I must say I never had a better time in my life.  There were quite a number of Secesh about and one or two went so far as to draw revolvers and Bowie knives but when they heard the click of about a dozen of our Navies, they gave up and were marched to the guard house forth with.
 
We are going into winter quarters soon and then I shall be able to get a furlough and visit old Webster once more or at least what there is left of it, for Rufus writes that most of the people there are coming to Dixie.
 
I suppose Willie is as patriotic as ever, if I had a chance I would send him a musket as there are several of them kicking about camp.  Tell him to write to me and let me know how that wooden gun company of his is doing.
 
Tell Ester Mack that if she will let Rufus enlist, I will promise to see that he is well taken care of.
 
Wee Annie, I have no more time at present so hoping to hear from you in right smart time (as the Marylanders say).
 
I remain
Ever Yours
F. A. Norton