8th Iowa Infantry - Captured at Shiloh - NEW

Item LTR-11054

Description

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


Camped on Clear Creek, Mississippi
October 29^th 1863
 
Calista S. Trask
 
Dear Sister,
 
Your letter came to hand about ten minutes ago and had just looked over it and was glad to hear that Elisha was getting better.  And Sister, I did not get to see George.  For we were out on a scout and the Colonel’s advance had been skirmishing for two days.  But we were not engaged in any fighting, but we have done a good share eating sweet potatoes and fresh pork.  I never saw as many large sweet potatoes as there are down here.  There is any amount of bee trees down here.  Our Brigade has cut about forty bee trees since we have been here.  Oscar Shebang cut a tree yesterday, did not get a great deal of honey.
 
I got a letter from Merrill this morning.  He is at Vicksburg in the hospital.  I wrote him a letter this day before noon.  We got two months pay this morning.  I guess I will not send any money home until we are paid again.  Tell Elisha to go work on his muscle, for we will be home in 7 or 8 months.  
 
It has been raining all afternoon.  We have had many disagreeable weather for the last week.  I don’t see what keeps the soldier’s letters from going.  I know darn well I have written every week since the downfall of Vicksburg.
 
I will have to write John a letter tomorrow.  I guess he must be in a trance or died.  I wish I could have been with you when you went down to Bosworth and if I hadn’t been afraid Bate would get hurt.  When we get back, I guess the girls will find out they won’t make much of the soldiers have.  I would like to take three or four St. Louis ladies’ home with me when I go there and fool some of the boys around there.  Burn this up as soon as you read it.  This leaves myself and the boys all well.  Write soon.
 
My best respects to all your brothers.
 
H. J. Trask