21st New York Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11986

Description

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


Camp Rogers [Upton’s Hill, Virginia]
October 21^st 1861
 
Dear Mother,
 
Once more, I sit down to pen a few lines to you fondly, hoping that this letter will find you in better health than it leaves me. I have been in the hospital about two weeks, but I am somewhat better now with the prospect of getting well. I was taken with the chills and fever, but I think the doctor broke them too quick on me and sent me into the dropsy on the liver.
 
You would scarce believe what a change that has been in my looks in two weeks' time. I was as fat and healthy as could be, and now I am as poor as a crow. I can't eat anything and can hardly walk around, but I am in hopes to be able to attend my duty before long.
 
The doctor had orders to discharge all the soldiers that would be sick for some little time yet, and the rest to send to Washington City to the General Hospital immediately, so I think that the army will advance in a few days. I don't know whether they will send me to Washington or not. If I am able to go with the regiment, I shall, for I prefer going then to go to Washington. But it will depend entirely when they go. It is the opinion of a good many that we will go down the river, and if we do, we will see some hot times.
 
The enemy has all left Fairfax and gone back, but how far it is not ascertained. They do that to draw our troops into Manassas Junction, but probably McClellan knows what he is about. At least I think so. I had a letter from James the other day. He was well. He said in his letter that he had just received a letter from home. Poor fellow. I wonder where he calls home. Perhaps it is where he is beyond the grave.
 
I had a letter from Thomas the other day. I see that he is one of the true soldiers. He is determined to see the glorious stars and stripes wave yet over a free country. May the God of Heaven protect him.
 
But what about Hank? What shall I say in honor of his cause? Does he prefer to save himself and live under a rebel government, or does he wish to remain with his wife and let others fight for liberty for him?
 
I did not know that there was one of our family that would turn their back on the flag that had always protected them. For shame on such men! I can pick out better men among the camp women that goes with the regiments than he is.
 
Well, Mother, how do you get along, and how does all the rest? I have not received any answer to Akshar's letter yet, and I do wish you would send me the Lockport papers. You could just as well as not.
 
Well, Mother, goodbye for this time. It is raining, and I should sit out of doors for a while yet. I guess I will lay down a spell.
 
Give my love to all kind friends, and don't forget to write. I am getting tired and must stop writing. So, goodbye, and believe me.
 
Your son yet, 
 
Myron W. Herbert
 
Camp Rogers in Virginia
High Private