3rd & 13th New York Cavalry

Item LTR-11025

Description

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


New Berne, North Carolina
April 20^th 1863
 
Miss Carmon,
 
 
It is my duty and pleasure to answer the letter addressed by yourself to your brother George Carmon and give you such information consuming him as I possess.  At Washington DC (in May 1862) I last saw him.  He was away in the city when we received orders to embark for this place and in consequence was left behind.  He was a good boy and only wanted encouragement such as your letter would have given him.  I presume his is now somewhere in the Army.  He enjoyed good health while with us.  There was a natural smartness about him which spoke well for the future and though his “start in life” was not the most promising, still in thinking of him, remember that “the darkest cloud hath a silver lining.”
 
“Unless I should take pity on some coward and save him from the draft”!
 
A woman spoke then.
 
“And if you will answer this immediately, I will send you my photograph”.  I have answered it “immediately” but am not George.  I am only someone else, who would be delighted to see the face of a lady who still feels a patriotic devotion to her country.
 
If there is anything I can do for you, do not fail to write me.
 
Yours respectfully,
 
Sherman Greig
1^st Lieutenant, Company H
3^rd New York Cavalry
New Berne, North Carolina