39th & 191st Pennsylvania Infantry - Captured at Weldon Railroad, VA

Item LTR-11027

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


Munson Hill, VA
June the 5^th 1863
 
Dear Father,
 
I sit myself this morning for the purpose of answering yours of the 8th which I read a few days ago and was glad to hear that you were all well and very glad to get the likeness.  I think they look very natural.  I can not see much change in any of you.  That box which you mentioned likely belonged to Robert McKnight of our company for he sent one about a week before I sent mine.
 
You said in your letter that you were expecting Uncle Laird and Aunt Jane would be there soon.  I wish I was there to see them but it is impossible to be in two places at the same time.
 
Well Father I have just come back from drill we drill 2 hours a day.  This is a very warm day and we have not much duty to do here.  We are not on duty more than two days in a week.
 
There has been but little rain here for a long time.  The ground is very dry and dusty and what little corn has been planted is quite small.  Some of it is hardly up yet.  There is a great many orchards here but there does not appear to be many apples.  But the peach trees are quite full of peaches and there is some pears and a good many cherries.  The cherries are getting ripe.  Munson’s Nursery of which I spoke of some time ago is only about half a mile from camp.  If I notice any new kind of fruit I will send you some buds of the same.  I received a letter from John a few days ago.  Tell him that I will answer it soon.
 
Well Father I can not think of any thing more to write at present.  I wrote a letter to Mother, Mags and Lydia a few days ago.  I hope this will find you all in as good health as it leaves me.  From your son, Jonas N. Nelson.  Write soon