83rd Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-11004

Description

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


February 16^th 1862
 
Dear Maria,
 
It is with my own good will that I sit down to answer your welcome letter of the 12^th inst.  And also, the pictures too.  It seems like old times to look at your faces so far from home.  They are the best pictures that they can scare up.  They go far ahead of Jane and Bell Carringer’s pictures which James go last night.  I did not know that I had such good-looking sisters.  Maria, I think you look very independent like.  But you can tell Sarah that your picture is rather ahead of hers.  I was glad to hear from the girls around home.  Well, Maria, the boys all had something to say about your picture.  Jim Carringer says he thinks the most of yours. He says it is the best picture
 
Well, I am well indeed.  I feel first rate.  I never had such good health before.  I believe I could eat about a bushel of good things.  The boys are all well
 
The weather is pretty cold today.  I was on guard last night and I came off of guard this morning at 9 o’clock.  Well, Maria, I have 7 letters to answer today and tomorrow.  And I have to cut them off short by the tail.  I will write Sarah a few lines on the other half sheet and then I will have to answer that letter Slemens wrote. It is an old buster.  When you write, I want you to tell me how much your pictures cost.  I was sorry to hear that Clinton was sick but I hope he will get better.  Well, I must stop.  I thank you very much for the picture.  You must excuse me for not writing more.  For I will send two more home besides this.   Nothing more. 
 
I remain your brother,
 
A. K. Cleeland
 
To Maria Cleeland
 
Write soon.