86th New York Infantry - The Steuben Rangers

Item LTR-252

Description

3 page original Civil War soldier's letter, written in period ink and war dated.

Camp of the 86th N.Y. V. Vols
Near Petersburg, Va
July 20th, 1864
Friend Amanda

I will improve a few leisure moments by writing to you. I don’t idle away much time. When not engaged with soldier’s duty, I am engaged in writing to friends or duty. I enjoy myself much in doing. I’ve been so lucky this summer in escaping wounds & disease that I can afford to spend time at anything good. I’ve been in some places where there was not much chance for writing & nothing but fighting. Sometimes I thought I wouldn’t give much for Cottrell’s chance. But I have thus far escaped. Was wounded once in the pants. Did not bleed any though. Ha ha ha.
There will be chances enough for me to get hit yet. So I’ll not laugh any more. You have got what you wished for when I was at your home. A visit from your brother George. I suppose you had a nice time & I think George did too. I would liked to have been home with George. I think I could enjoy myself for 30 days. I don’t expect to go home until my term of service expires. That will be in 2 ½ years. A long time is it not? We have done very hard fighting & marching & now find the Rebels very strongly fortified in our front. The charging has for a time been stopped & now the slow process of siege is going on. I hope there will never be an occasion for another bayonet charge. Such sights are enough to make one heartsick. I’ve been engaged in them. Will go again if ordered to or in any other place. I hardly think the war will end during this campaign. But I am confident it will yet end in our favor. Do your folks intend to move out to Almond? I suppose you have Mr. Wetburns family for neighbors yet. I hope you do & other good people. Then you would be more contented to live in Wellsville.
Remember me kindly to you Father, Mother, brothers and sisters.
Respectfully your friend
John Cottrell
Co D, 86th NY