85th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-327

Description

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

Camp 85th Reg. P. V.
Fort Good Hope, D.C.
February 3, 1862

Mr. D. W. Wilson,

Dear Sir,

Arriving here in my cabin in the army, where all the surroundings are suggestive of war, I have concluded to avail myself of a soldier’s license. I address you upon a subject that has been uppermost in my mind for the last two or three years which influenced me more than any other consideration in seeking the Recorder’s Office. Namely, the studying of law. Now, whether I posses any of the elements necessary to constitute a successful lawyer, I know not. But that I have always had a taste for the profession. I do know and I flatter myself that I have a sufficient amount of energy for this arduous profession and I have heard it said that energy will to a certain extent compensate for a less brilliant intellect. But let that be as it may. I wish to study law and I wish to study with you Mr. Wilson. There is no other gentleman of your profession in Washington that I would be as willing to have for my preceptor as you and I address you for the purpose of ascertaining first if you would not be willing to accept me as a law student and second if I could enroll my name now as a student. So that, if in the event of this war being terminated in 1862, I might by hint of hard study be admitted to the bar about the close of 1863 or beginning of 1864. If you would be kind enough to furor me with an immediate reply, I would be much obliged indeed. Address Capt William H. Horn, Co. I, 85th Regiment, P. V. Washington DC care Col M. B. Howell.

Truly yours,
Wm. H. Horn