18th Michigan Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11919

Description

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


Nashville, Tennessee
December 27^th 1863
 
My Dear Sister,
 
Again, I sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and in good spirits. I haven't much to tell you of any importance, but I will do the best I can.
 
As far as the war news is concerned, I haven't heard of any in four or five days. We are laying at present at Harpeth Shoals, 40 miles from Nashville. We have been down here several days, and a very poor prospect of getting to Nashville very soon.
 
Some of the other gunboats have gone up the river 350 miles above Nashville, and we will have to stay here until they come back again. I was glad we didn't have to go up, for it is rather a scaly country up there.
 
I spent Christmas Day on the Cumberland River for the first time in my life, and a good time we had. We had a tip-top dinner and supper. We all threw in 50 cents apiece and got oysters and turkeys. I enjoyed myself very well. All that was missing was the ladies. I expect we would have some of them if money would have bought them.
 
When you write, tell me how you spent Christmas. I will write a letter to the doctor as soon as I get up to Nashville.
 
I don't know when I will get this mail. I intend to send it up to town by some of the transports if I can.
 
I wrote a letter to Giddy the other day. I expect he is alone now. How I wish I was there to be company for him.
 
I don't know whether you are in Fort Dodge yet or not. I will direct this there, and if you have gone home, the doctor can send it to you.
 
I haven't heard from home in some time now. You must excuse this rambling letter, and write as soon as convenient.
 
Give my respects to the doctor and Giddy when you go home. 
 
I remain your brother, 
 
H.D. Osborne