114th Ohio Infantry

Item LTR-10961

Description

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


Morganza, Louisiana
December 16^th 1864
 
Dear Sister Anna,
 
Your very good letter bearing date November 27^th came to hand some time ago.  And I was very glad to get it.  I would have answered sooner but we were moving about so much that I haven’t had a chance to.  we left White River on the 6^thof this month for this place and arrived here on the 9^th.  Everything here looks the same as it did when we left it.  
 
We have quite a large regiment now.  We were consolidated with the 120^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  I suppose you have heard of it before this time.  I am on picket today for the first time since we came back to this place.  
 
Oh, this is such a beautiful day.  Everything seems so calm and still.
 
Our regiment and the 34^th Iowa was out to the Atchafalaya on a three day scout the first of the week.  Captured one Reb and lost one man drowned crossing the bayou.  Oh, dear, I tell you I was tired when I got back to camp.  It rained very hard this morning.  We came in off of picket but I did not get much rest.  
 
Sunday morning, December 18, 1864
 
Dear Sister,
 
As it rained while I was writing to you, I had to delay finishing my letter until I got back to camp.  And when I got to camp, they were picking up for general inspection. So, I had to picket and go out on it and by that I did not write yesterday.  
 
We had dress parade last evening.  The regiment looks fine.  All the boys are well and in fine spirits. Oh, I tell you there will be a glad set of boys in about nine months more, if we all live to get back home once more with our friends.  
 
This is a very pleasant day.  Oh, how I do wish this war was over and I was in Old Williamsport this morning getting ready to go to church.
 
We have got very good quarters here now and can live very well if they will only let us stay here this winter.  I received a letter from brother Willie this week stating that the folks were all well. 
 
What are you going to have for dinner?  We are going to have fresh beef, fried soft bread and tea.  How would you like to dine with us?  
 
There is not much importance transpiring here at present.  I received a package of paper and envelops you sent by Captain Shulze while we were at the mouth of White River and was thankful for it.  
 
Wesley and J. H. Baughman are very well.  I am well and doing finely.  Write soon and often.  Give my compliments to Uncles and all my friends.
 
Your affectionate brother,
 
Manley S. Leiby
 
Sister Ann, Love and a kiss goodbye.