144th New York Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11052

Description

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


Hilton Head, South Carolina
 September 22, 1864
 
Dear Friends,
 
It is with madness that I write unto you at this time.  For I have just heard that James has enlisted to come to the war and leave his aged parents to mourn in their old age for a protector and confidential son when there was no need of his leaving them for there is no draft that can fetch him away at present.  I don’t see what he can be thinking of to enlist and leave his family and parents alone in these times that they need him the most and he is expected on the next boat, but I hope he ain’t coming.
 
I should like to step in your house and see how you get along without money.  For it goes hard for me and it must be still harder for you.  But we expect our pay soon.  And then I will divide with you the money and also the anxiety for your welfare and comfort.  And hope that your lives may be spared until we all shall get home again to enjoy a season of rest from the tumults and trials of war and see the Star Spangled Banner wave over rebellious graves and the Nation once more in peace with the world.  And give freedom to them that are in bondage and liberty to the poor soldier that is worse than slavery in any form for they are treated worse than beasts. For they are not allowed to go anywhere without a pass or they will punish you.  And the officers won’t give a pass unless they are a mind to and that’s where they have us.  So ,you see that we are worse than slaves.
 
Well, the mail has come and I will wait and see if I get a letter from you.  
 
Well, some of the new recruits have got here and James is one of them.  And Mr. Burch of Masonville and they think they know something of soldiering already.  But they have just commenced to know trouble.  Well, there was another lot come last night and about 250 others came on another boat.  And they feel middling well today (23^rd) and are satisfied.  James brought a letter from you and I got one by mail the same day of September 11^th.  I am thankful for the things that you and the children sent me.  But the sugar was most melted when it got here.  But it was sweet yet.  Tell the children and the other things are credited to you and I will pay you if I get home, if that will do.  Some of the boys haven’t got here yet.  But are expected here soon.  
 
Well as you are not alone in widowhood now, I hope that you will keep your lamp trimmed for the bridegroom at his coming and not be found out oil on hand.  Well, I suppose that you know what I mean.  Look out for the long storms of winter are coming soon when it will be hard for you to get out to get things to live on.
 
I am about the same yet as ever.  But am rather lame to put up with but it can’t be helped.
 
So, goodbye for a day,
 
Abram Bogart