7th New Hampshire Infantry

Item LTR-299

Description

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

Camp, 7th N.H. Vols
June 27th, 1864

Friend Charles
Thinking I should like to hear from an old friend and sometime since I have. Probably this is just what will do it.
My health is tip top. As the fellow said about the shells. But tis the hot weather that takes away the flesh with the aid of half rations. Well Charley, what do you now think about the war, can it last much longer? Also gold and provisions. Ever since I enlisted, I have been trying to learn when this much longer would expire. Am as much in the shade now as two years ago. I am little doubtful about Grant’s finding it out, this campaign. I suppose you feel thankful that you never went for soldiering. If not, I do for you. I tell you, Charles, I am tired of it. The most I can make of a soldier’s life is a low, mean, nasty, dirty life. One year’s experience and you will think the same. I trust you are not as patriotic as you were in the Spring of ‘6l. Well for you, if so. Your health (if not improved) would not endure these long marches. When marching on a hot day, I have often thought if you were here, you would be obliged to fall out of the ranks. Perhaps the surgeon would say, go to your company; no place for a sick man. Nine cases in ten your officers would say you’re playing it. It is easy to read about good treatment. How well the Army is fed. You would call a man a brute to ill treat your day as men have been in the service. The papers state how well Grant’s men have been fed since this campaign commenced. I judge from my own experience. This living has been mostly hardtack and salt pork or beacon. Think I have heard you say pork was unfit to eat. I think we have had as good living, or better, than Grant’s men. We have been on half rations and not much better the present time. There has not been an ounce salt beef issued since we came here. How much bread would you eat the next three months if you saw worms and bugs crawling in it every time you sit down to the table? I think you would say, lift that plate of bread to the hogs. What does the soldier say, eat it or nothing. Charles, the fact is, we are allowed enough and that is good. There is not any honor in the manner men are treated. And in my mind, soldiering would have been played out long ago. I suppose you will want to know how we are passing the time away. At present, our brigade is only doing picket. The line of works are almost completed. Only a little fatigue. A few Johnys came in. Took their time to leave when on picket. Few days since one came over. Been in the service 12 days. Johny sometimes lets his passions rise, and gives in a few shells. Our batteries answer the shot and generally give the last. There are some good plantations here and larger fields of wheat within range of gunboats and batteries. If Johny gathers his wheat, he will do it by night. I think there is not a large force here. By times, there is larger numbers. Some on their way to Petersburg. Others are crossing the James River.
There has been considerable shooting on picket. The rebels are tired of it. Sent in a flag of truce to have it stopped. Now the pickets pick berries and exchange papers. Our boys let them have coffee and sugar for tobacco. The weed has been very scarce. Boys are moneyless (to use the Southern phrase). They were right smart pleased to get it. It has not been my good luck to get a post within talking distance.
One night posting picket, a man was put on the advance post near a large tree. What should he find but a Johny posted at the same tree. Both union and Johny claimed the same tree. Both declined to give it up, swore they’d shoot each other if it was not against the orders. They put their guns down, had a few rounds and took their posts and held them.
Business of the day are: Grant has lost 100 artillery. Another that he is within one mile of Petersburg, ready to rush in. Another that he is not far from our works on the R.R. with 100,000 men. This is the camp talk. The rainy season sets in next month. I suppose we shall see any quantity of Mc C’s mud. I hope it will not be so deep but what Grant will get through it. Some of our boys are inclined to leave and go over to Rebeldom. If the rebs do not fare any better than we do, it must be poor encouragement to desert. The Col tells us we are in for three years if service is required. If I am held three years, won’t I hate the day I enlisted; think I shall to a perfection. Many of the Vets regret their reenlisting, like myself. Poor time to repent. I suppose you are doing good business at your place. Vets tell me I could scarcely tell where I was. A number have built. It has the appearance of a little village.
I heard Miss C has made a choice of a certain young man in Dover. Perhaps you are acquainted with him. I will take the liberty to say good for her. I think they will ask you what Ripley says about war. Tell them nothing. They can learn all they want know by coming here and trying it out.
Give my best respect to all.
Tell Wiggin I am obliged to him for writing. Please write.
George H. Ripley
Direct yours
Co F, 7th N.H. V.
10th Army Corps, Fortress Monroe, Va