124th Pennsylvania Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11923

Description

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

Stafford Courthouse
January 31, 1863
 
Dear wife,
 
I have nothing to acquaint you of, but as this is the anniversary of my birthday, it seems I should write to you. If I do nothing more than to assure you that I have been permitted to live another year. one, two, in which many of our friends and acquaintances have passed from us. Some from old age and otherwise, and others prematurely, whilst fighting or under circumstances incident to the enemies of our adopted country.
 
Peace to the ashes, and let us hope that they will be forever remembered by a grateful people. It is to be hoped that the insurgencies of the year I have been permitted to enter into will not require the sacrifice of life, which has made the last to be forever regretted. All mankind will respond "amen" to this wish, but none have the wisdom to divine the means of which the hope shall be realized. Both belligerents are blind by bad passion and hatred toward each other, and are too proud to listen to a friendly voice from afar. Continued suffering does not lessen the passions, nor do the many slaughters humble their pride.
 
It may be that the divine ruler has, in his wisdom, caused the roads here to be in the impassable condition, thus placing a barrier between the contending parties. That, whilst this lull is taking place, their passions may be abated or their pride humbled, and thereby come to some understanding which will avoid the future effusion of human blood.
 
Such a result would occasion much rejoicing over the land, and not the least to the soldiers who have already sacrificed their health, but still hope to be permitted to return home. In order that they can again see those they hold dear, and that their last moments may be soothed with at least Christian feeling, which circumstances denied them here.
 
No matter what character or conduct of the soldier, either Union or Rebel, there are those who hold them above price. God's works are marvelous.
 
Therefore, it may be as I have written. I would not have you think that I am either depressed in spirit or health, because this letter is dedicated out to my usual mode. There is not the least reason for such a belief. I am as strong, as well, as spiritual, and as hopeful as ever.
 
I mailed a long letter yesterday to our friend Tom, and one to Isaiah Hadelman, in which I described the incidents of our march, one of which you will see. Time did not permit me to write three letters of such a length, and being desirous for the parties named to receive one, I therefore had one of the boys to write two copies.
 
I hope Tom will accept this as if my own pen had wrote it. 
 
Your affectionate husband, 
R. Buckley