29th Massachusetts Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-10861

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Camp Butler
Newport News
 
October 13, 1861
 
Dear Friends,
 
I have been waiting a long while for a letter from you.  But have not received any.  My last letter, I sent you, I told you to write as soon as you received the money I sent you.  Perhaps you did not receive the money or the letter either.  I sent you $15 by the Adams Express and wrote a letter the same day.  But received no answer.  Now I want you to write as soon as you receive this letter and let me know if you received the money.  Your last letter I received you wanted to know if I was willing you should take the state pay to buy you a double gun.  Of course, I am.  You can take it and do what you want to with it.  I do not want it all.  If you buy one, be sure and buy a good one.  Cause we may want to go out west some time.  The money I sent home, if you have received it, belongs to Uncle George.  He can do what he wants to with that. 
 
You wanted me to write what regiment I belonged to.  So, I will tell you it is not a full regiment yet.  But we expect it will be filled up soon to a thousand men.  There are 7 companies now in the battalion and we are commanded by Captain Barnes, a good officer.  
 
I have not much news to write now.  We see the enemy every day now.  They fired at us several times while on guard.  But have not hit anyone.  
 
I was out scouting the other day and got some figs.  Picked them right off the tree.  They were first rate.  They are very red inside before they are preserved.  This picture (picture on back side of this letter) on the front side of this paper, is Newport News, where we are encamped.  You will notice on the left of this picture, the figure there is a battery of 5 guns. There are 3 columbines and 2 rifle cannons.  They command the river.  Figure 2 is the Schooner Hope which has laid to the wharf all summer.  Figure 3 is the place where we are now camped inside of the battery.  Figure 4 is the first place where union troops landed at Newport News.
 
But I have not anymore news to write now.  I am in good health and enjoy myself first rate.  Be sure and answer this letter as soon as you receive it.
 
From your friend and cousin,
 
John W. Morse