16th Maine Infantry - Confederate Officers Deserted - NEW

Item LTR-12127

Description

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


Point Lookout, Maryland
March 1^st 1864
 
My Own Darling Wife, Seddie,
 
It has now been four days since I received your letter, and I have neglected to answer it until now. I sent a letter to you the night before. I got yours, so I did not answer it so soon. Today is a stormy day and is dull. I have been up to the 5th New Hampshire Regiment. There are a good many Maine boys in it, some from Portland and some from Biddeford. So you see, I know them.
 
I was up and took dinner with them. The first lieutenant has got his lady here with him. I called into his tent and spent a sociable hour with them. They are both young and very sociable. We had a good deal of stormy weather here, and it makes me feel bad. It puts me in so much pain. I still make out to get along after the old style. How are you, Seddie? And the little babies, how are they? Seddie, if they keep me here long enough, I shall get a furlough. There are only four to go ahead of me, but they may take a notion to send me away from here before that time. But I hope not. If they do, I shall think they are mean, which is not far from it, in my opinion. I have got some money, and if I can't come to bring it, which will be safer, I must send it in a letter, but am in hopes to come home. 
 
I have been toying to get a picture of Eddie's taken. He can only copy it Sunday on account of having too much to do, and it has stormed most every Sunday, and the last fortnight he has been gone home By the way, he is from Maine. However, I have got this one safe, and if I can't get one taken, I will send this one home to you. I shall look for a letter from you in the morning. I should not send this until I get yours, if it didn't make it two days later. Our mail leaves here in the middle of the night by boat. We have to put them in before 8 o'clock in the evening.
 
It is getting dark. I can scarcely see the lines as I must begin to draw this to a close. 
 
There is nothing here that is new, with the exception that some of the Rebel officers try to get away every little while. Two tried to get away tonight, two nights ago. They waded in the water two miles up to their necks, and they were so exhausted that they had to land close to our pickets, and they brought them back. One of them can't stand now. He is so far gone. 
 
Well, I can't see to write much more, so I will close by bidding you all good night.
 
Ten thousand kisses apiece to you and the babies. Hoping to hear from you soon and to see you soon. 
 
I remain, as ever, my love to all.
 
From Georgie to his darlings. 
 
Write soon.


If I stay here, I shall want you to come up and see me. It won't cost much, and you can stop at Susan's. Tell Jimmy and Pa to come up and see me. Now, good day, for it is 6 o’clock in the morning.
 
He's gone, the little angel one. 
Alas, how quick his race was run. 
Reigning on high heads, his song 
and mingles with the holy throng. 
Here on earth, no more he'll suffer.
 
Little Eddie's safe forever. 
On that sea of glass now standing. 
There he's happy in his praising. 
There he's singing, ever singing.
 
Ye weeping parents, dry your tears.
Kindly your father quells your fears. 
In safety, see your darling stand 
Now with the blessed at God's right hand.
 
To Seddie
From Georgie