128th Pennsylvania Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-12075

Description

Original Civil War letter. 4 pages written in period pencil.


Maryland Heights
December 12, 1862
 
Dear Father,
 
Having some spare time left, which I shall devote to you in writing a letter. We are under marching orders, with orders to have everything packed, bag and baggage, and to be ready to start by 9:00 tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10^th. We will have three days' rations in our haversacks and 40 rounds of cartridges to the man, with 60 more on the wagon train. 
 
The general belief in camp is that we are to march to Falmouth, Virginia, on the other side of the river from Fredericksburg, no doubt to participate in the coming conflict. Instead of remaining on the heights this winter, we are now about starting on a new journey to breast the storms and frost of winter, cold, wet nights, sleeping on the wet and, at present, snow-covered ground. Certainly, not a very cheerful prospect to look forward to. But God will protect us. 
 
I may not have the chance to write to you for some time again, so don't feel worried if you do not get a letter very soon. I shall drop you a few lines every chance I get. Write to me as often as you possibly can, as nothing will be so welcome on the march as a good long letter from home.
 
Lieutenant S. is again with us and looks very much better. He goes with us tomorrow. 
 
Our fellows are all out on picket today. The line stretches all the way to Antietam Furnace. They have not got in yet, and I am afraid they will be very tired to march tomorrow.
 
Captain is well and all the rest of the boys. The health of the regiment is very good. Only four sick in the company, three of whom are expected to be discharged, and the other has the fever. Of course, they do not accompany us.
 
We have elected a new major, Captain Dyer from Doylestown, so we get another lieutenant colonel, making an entire new set of field officers. 
 
Major Warner starts for Washington this afternoon. He will no doubt be in Reading before long, so you will no doubt see him very soon.
 
Lance and I had our pictures taken together this afternoon, which we sent to Jim Mulholland. He will show it to you, no doubt, as soon as he gets it. It's not very good, but you can see how I look. It's very nearly as good as the first one, though not so clear.
 
A number of the pickets have just arrived in camp. They will be followed soon by the rest of the boys. I am glad for they will have a good long sleep before starting.
 
Well, I must bid goodnight. I hope I will soon be able to write again. Give my love to all the folks, and don't forget to write soon to your affectionate son,  
 
 
Joe Richards
Company A,  128^th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers
Washington, DC
 
 
Goodnight, write soon. 
 
Love to all,  
Joe