16th Massachusetts Infantry - Died of Wounds at Gettysburg

Item LTR-226

Description

4 page original Civil War soldier's letter, war dated.

Camp Hamilton, VA
April 20th 1862

Dear Brother,

Just one year ago 22nd last I enlisted. I had not cut my eye teeth then. Did not think of the role we were to play, i.e that of maddening inactions. I shall always disclose ever having been a member of the 16th Regiment M.V. After we get home don’t on peril of your life mention Fortress Monroe, 16th Regiment or Camp Hamilton, Hampton to me. If you do, it will be the signal of your impending annihilation! Therefore beware oh my Brother. By the way how does that sewing machine work? You are silent as to its going abilities. Let us hear whether it was a good bargain or not. How does that rifle shoot? Can you bank a squirrel at 150 yards? Snuff a candle at 15? Look at those drawings, those illustrations on George’s letter. They are truly wonderful and show forth your genius in a truly marked and magnificent style. I regret that your toe was lame. Could you have done the tricks as well as you pictured? Then truly you would have enchanted and surprised all who were so fortunate to be bewildered to be present. Keep my money for me if you can possibly get along without it. I want it all when I get home. If I don’t have any when I get home, I shall be obliged to go in search of some. I saw a splendid butterfly today. Shall I catch him for you? Today I have been in swimming this afternoon down in Hampton Roads. Henry Whitney asks if you wish to become a member of the Effenian Society. The one you know I used to meet with. Ed Hammond, Starbuck and some dozen others form the society not club. Club lets me inform you is not vulgar and affiliation to bolster on such a learned body. They have debate readings of selections, declarations, compositions, etc. You can hold your own in everything but perhaps the exception of compositions by Starbuck and Blanchard who are used to that work. If you wish to join, just say so to Starbuck, Whitney, Hammond or any other Effenian says Barcroft. Means to speak well or write well, he found the name, consider it Brown. Go in to it Brown, I was one of the original members, had a first rate time there Saturday night. I never knew a better or more jolly set of fellows. They are patriotic too. Nearly half of them enlisted in this company, in the cavalry. How is work in the watch factory? And how is work generally? What is there for me to do when I get home? Went to the fort yesterday. Saw some big shots for union guns. There are long cylinders, square both ends. About two feet long in diameter. I think these may strike a fairer blow than the general slug. Not so likely to glance. Rivers and Sinclair (Floyd used to be) are mounted side by side and command the channel. The gunner Welch says he can hit the Merrimac 20 times before the Merrimac will come out and fight. She’ll get her quarters if she does.

Yours truly Brother,
Chas Brown