7th New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-337

Description

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

Camp 7th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers
Saturday, December 12th 1863

Dear Mother, Father, Sisters and Brother,

I take this pleasure in answering your interesting letter dated the 6th and it gave me great pleasure to hear of George’s appointment. Now Mother, don’t fret about the Honorable H. R. R. for remember its only nine months more. And I guess I can stand that. Then good bye Uncle Samuel. I suppose you have read my account of the March. It makes me laugh to hear it termed a reconnaissance in force. To think of the whole Army going as a reconnoitering party, marching 30 miles and then make a splendid retreat as the Army of the Potomac always does through the cowardice of its commanding officers. Though it best to retreat than sacrifice thousands of men for nothing. The Rebels never attack us. Ain’t that strange. There is going to be another poor Christmas to be spent in the Army. Mother, you speak of me feeling lonesome now George being gone. I am satisfied to think he is safe. That has been my trouble every battle to think he might be wounded and no one to care for him. My health always was good and if I get along as good as I have these last two years, I am satisfied it is nearly more than I can expect. But then I always take care of myself. There is a great many reenlisting on account of the furlough of one month. I hope Father is getting better now George is home. It must look like old times again to all sit down together. How is Rachel now? I want her to write me a nice long letter about her school and how she advances in her studies. I suppose she will be nearly as tall as I when I come home. It makes me laugh to think of the time Father and I had the chase through the back yard saying which would reach the gate first. Happily I succeeded in gaining the position first or else. Oh, my back. But alas all those heart stirring scenes are no more. I hope I will be a better boy when I come home and will never do anything to cause such scenes again. The men are building winter quarters and all are busy. Mother, if you send me a box, please send me a file or two, as I lost the last one. I will send the picture soon. I sent a mole skin that I have had since the Battle of Fredericksburg. But I must close with love to all.

I remain your loving and affectionate Son and Brother,

Hugh P. Roden
Company K, 7th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers
Washington, DC

Good bye all.
A kiss for all. Write soon.