30th Pennsylvania Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11055

Description

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


Camp Pierpont, Virginia
 January 20^th 1862
 
Dear Mother,
 
I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you this evening to let you know that I am well and hearty.  And I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing.  I am still able for my pork and beans.
 
We were on picket last Saturday and we had quate a wet time of it.  We all get wet though.  Well, we have no reason to complain for it was the first wet time we have had since we came to Virginia, that is on picket duty.  It’s very muddy about camp tonight.  We do not go out much.  We keep very close to our little canvas house.
 
Dear Mother, I would love to come home and see you all.  Often do I think of home.  I still live in hopes that I will be home before long.  Dear Mother, if you got a letter for every time I thought about you, you would have more than you would be able to read.  Give my love to Father and to my brothers and sisters.  And tell them I am well and look better than I ever looked, both hearty and good looking.  Dear Mother, this very near time for me to go to bunk.  And I will have to close pretty soon.  Mother, there is some talk of our regiment going to Washington to guard the city.  But I do not know how it will come out.  I hope it will be a go.  Perhaps if we get there, I will stand some chance of getting a furlough to come home.  There is no chance to get one now.
 
There is nothing going on at present of any importance.  Everything is quiet about here.  Well, as I am getting sleepy, I will close for this time.  So, I bid you goodnight.  May God bless you my Dear Mother.
 
I hope to hear from you soon.
 
I still remain,
 
Your affectionate son,
 
Pratt Baldwin
 
To his Mother.