124th, 29th & 197th Pennsylvania Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11985

Description

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


Stafford Court House
February 5^th 1863
 
Dear Wife,
 
News by Captain Yarnell is at hand, and its contents noted. I am over the fatigue long ago. The colonel and a private of our regiment were in company with me. We were in the storm you speak of. Perseverance and strong limbs took us through.
 
Now, Sally, do not become pettish because I did not cover you all over with praise for the affectionate manner during my absence. I prefer myself. And I think you will also wish to have the praise altogether instead of my installments.
 
I am happy my visit home has done you good. That in itself more than repairs me for the fatigue. It also, you say, shortens the time, which is so, I have no doubt. Well, Sally, we have arrived at a date now, which brings our time down to a short two months-- Less time than we were separated when I went to England. Keep of good cheer. Then the time will soon slide away, and I know not what we might do to make ourselves happy when again you can claim me as entirely your own.
 
You now understand that I am now owned in partnership, the United States claiming the blood and muscle of my composition, and to you belongs the heart and affection. We got the tobacco you sent in Toomes’ box. Cummins’ box has not come yet. You did not inform me of what was in it for us. Do so. I am glad you thought of sending me your cousin's letter. The least you can do is to answer it. Say to her not to pay the postage and send to Lizzie and to our folks any papers you may have in which I am named in connection with the regiment. 
 
I saw an English paper yesterday. The detailed statement of the amount of suffering is indeed deplorable.
 
You must write to Lizzie. It will do her good. Edwin has been much disappointed these few days because the mail has not brought him a letter. He grows and thinks it hard.
 
The box from the bank got here on the third instance. A monster it was, and full of good things, and nothing to say spoiled. The cakes were somewhat softened. Otherwise, all was right.
 
The boys have, for a few days past, been building new huts about a mile from here in a beautiful situation, good sod and surrounded by pine woods. Water excellent and convenient. So, a few more days we hope will find us out of this polluted camp. We have had four successive fine days, which is having a wonderful influence on the mud. Such weather for two or three weeks, and we shall be out of the mire. On the other hand, a day's rain will render them as bad as ever again.
 
I do not feel sorry for Lieutenant Cummins. He seems in bad luck, being returned to his company. And to mend all, it now seems as if the order by which I was enabled to come home will be at once suspended, and it was the lieutenant's turn to take the benefit of it tomorrow. He is indeed in bad luck.
 
I have a little stomach ache today. Hoping mother is better and all our friends are well. 
 
I am your affectionate husband, 
 
R. Buckley