149th Pennsylvania Infantry - Bucktails

Item LTR-122

Description

3 pages in period ink, written by Isaac Oliver

Washington, December 12th (1862)

Dear Friend, I take this opportunity to inform you that I am well and hope these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. We are in the same place that we were when I wrote to you before. Last Saturday the 183 Regiment came to Washington and left on Wednesday. I did not get to see all the Greenwood boys for they were so crowded that there was not such chance to see them that one wanted to. They got their arms before they left. They was old muskets.
I should be for leaving Uncle Sam if he wouldn't give me a better gun to fight with than they got. I would not give my chance for three years for any of theirs for nine months, for I think that we have as good times as a soldier could wish for as long as we stay here, for we have good tents and plenty to eat and that is all that one can expect as long as he is a soldiering.
Some of the boys say they are afraid that they won't get a chance at the rebels, but I for my part won't be scared about that. I for my part would like to hear of the war being to an end. But if I am needed to fight, I am willing to go. But if we ever get on the battlefield, we will not have as fine times as we have now.
We have had some snow and pretty cold weather, but it is getting warmer now. I have been on guard for three weeks. Every day I am on two hours and six off. The worst is being up at night, but I am getting so use to this that I don't mind that any more. I will now have to bring my letter to a close for dinner is ready and as soon as dinner is over, I will have to go on guard. So no more at present, but remain your friend, Isaac Oliver
For Iram B. Heeler
Direct as before