28th Maine Infantry

Item LTR-11022

Description

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


March the 11 (1863)  
 
 I was out Sunday to the burial of one of Co E’s men.  He was from Surry by the name of Grant.  The blacksmith’s son Simon Flood has just go so he can do duty has been sick ever since he left New York till within a few days.  My health is good, never been better.  We have an easy time, the musicians do.  There is only 5 of us here.  We had from 15 to 20 when we were all together.  I get no news from the North.  Don’t know but the Rebels has overrun the North nor don’t care much if I get out of it in good shape. I have hopes of it, yet we have had no battle yet.  Don’t thing we shall have one here.  We should have some skirmishes here & probably some will be killed.  You will not get many more letters there is only now and then a chance to send DAP.
 
March 13 (1863)
 
     I received a letter from you and Samuel”s folks today.  Was glad to get them.  Samuel’s was wrote the 13 of February and yours was the 23. They had got a letter from me.  I wrote to you A& them both at the same time as soon as I got these & wrote to Brown & Carter after I wrote to you.  You know better than to think I would write to others before you.  This will be 4 letters I have sent.  I have got paper & envelops enough for all.  I shall write and give my love to all enquiring friends.  I have got to go to another burial today.  I hope you will get this.  My health never was better. You must not be jealous if you don’t get letters. You may not get half I write for Samuel’s letter was a month coming.  I expect to be with you before long if I live.  I am well contented here.  The pickets, about 7 miles from here was fired at night before last.  I expect that we shall have a little fun here before long.  We have the best now that we have since we left the state.  Don’t know how long it will last.  Tell Leon that I think of him all the time. With that I will close so good bye for this time from the old fifer. D A. Patten