40th Pennsylvania Infantry Wounded at Fredericksburg

Item LTR-267

Description

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

Camp Pierpont Oct 26,1861

Dear Cousin,

It is with pleasure I take my seat in order to answer your very kind letter and I may truly add welcome letter. I am well at present and hope this may find you in the enjoyment of the best of good health. We are still at the same place yet how long we may remain I can not inform you, perhaps days or weeks and possible not one hour. We are now among the subjects of King Cotton, and you know they are slightly opposed to our mingling with them, though upon my word they need not fear me if they let me alone. I want you to keep that kitten till I return. I will need some more household furniture which I will take with me in the shape of one of the sable daughters of the South of African Origin, for this reason you said truly I do not feel very as serious about that other, though you are mistaken if you think I hear from her as often as you do, for indeed I know nothing of her indeed I do not blame her as I left her in danger and of course she much claim the protection of the valiant home guards who are immortalizing their name above all ancient knight events. Oh, how devoted they are. I hope you will all appreciate their self-sacrificing disposition. I am sure they will never allow any of you to die old maids and I hope you young ladies will appreciate them. I often hear from her of whom you spoke, but not in her handwriting and am free to confess I hear more than tis agreeable for me to believe, but who cares for who cares, not I. We had review today, which was indeed a grand affair. We are to have the whole Division reviewed on Monday, which will be grander still. I went over to see John after review. He is well and in excellent spirits. Our Lieutenant and I helped him and John McMurry to drink a bottle of O Be Joyful, the first I tasted in two months. I was sorry to hear Catherine’s loss, but such is the trials of life. On the evening I received your letter I also received one from James and Mary. I wish I was there. We would have a spree, but there is a good time coming, if we should ever see it. I am perfectly contented and have plenty to eat and wear and until the war is over would not go home under any considerations, but you can not imagine how I long for the time to come when the rebels will lay down their arms and peace will be proclaimed. But that time will come and I hope in 1 year, but God knows whether I will live to see it or not. If I do, I will know how to appreciate the blessing of Peace. I am sure there is no pleasure in being a soldier, only the cause for which we fight, makes it the Duty of every true Patriot. I am so glad to see so many coming to fight the battles of their country it shows the true spirit of patriotism and O what a debt of gratitude will the country owe the brave and gallant Home Guards. I hope you have placed yourself under the all protecting care of some of those valiant young men. I fear very much many of them will lay down their lives for their country. There is some danger of Hartisville and Annandale trying to slip out of the Union, but while the home guards are by, there is little danger. Tell James Thompson to answer my letter. Tell James Billingsley to write to me and I hope you will not forget to answer this at the very earliest opportunity. You, Mary and Lizzy Bailey are all the female correspondents I have and I like letters from female friends better than the males. Give my respects to all my friends if I have any. All the boys are well that you knew. I have not been really sick one hour since I saw you last. Tell Evy Jane that V J Black is well. He and I are mess mates, and now Sarah I must close for want of time. I could write to you all the time but I would rather talk to you. I hope we will have a long talk after the war is over. I will close, nothing more at present but remains your affectionate cousin.

Robert McElhaney

Address Robert McElhaney
Co C 11th Regt PRC
Washington, DC
Care of Col Gallagher