15th & 55th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-348

Description

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

Beaufort, SC
October 15th 1862

My Dear Wife,

I received the box you sent a few days ago and found everything alright. And I was very glad to get it indeed. For I had been unable to do any work for some time for want of leather. I received a letter from Liz the same day that I received the box. And I was very glad to hear that you were all well. I am in the enjoyment of very good health at present and indeed have ever since I wrote you last. There is nothing going on here worthy of note.

There was an expedition that sailed from Hilton Head some two weeks ago. One Regiment from this place, the 47th Pennsylvania went along. They went to capture a Battery on the St. John’s River. And a part of the 47th has gotten back and they say they captured the Battery without the loss of a single man. They captured eleven heavy pieces of artillery, some small arms and a few prisoners. The secesh ran away leaving everything behind them. It is estimated that the cannon and shells that we captured is worth one hundred thousand dollars. There is some talk of an expedition starting from here in a few days but I cannot say whether there is any truth in the rumor or not. You must tell Mrs. Cornyn that I am very much obliged to her for her kindness in sending me those stockings and also to Sis for her handkerchief. And tell her that I will try and write her a letter before long. And tell Walt that his candy was very nice, only it had all melted and ran together in such a way that I could not eat it. And tell Rob that I am much obliged to him for the papers and reading matter is scarce. And since those papers have arrived you ought to see the boys flocking to any tent to borrow papers. Now then I have a few requests to make. You will, if you will please, send me four or five swing seals and the same number of whipping awls heavy enough to sew on patches with. We are expecting to be paid off any day now as the Pay Master is here. He arrived here the day before yesterday. When we do get paid off, I will have quite a time collecting my many bills. But I do not think I will have much trouble and I will send you some money right away. I believe that is about all I have to say except to send my love to all the family and my respects to all my friends and especially to Mrs. Cornyn. So no more but write soon.

Your Husband,

Jacob V. Shaner

P. S. I forgot to tell you to send me those awls in a letter by mail and you will also please send me two calf skins about like what you sent in the box. Send them by Express as my sole leather will last me longer than my calf skin.

J. V. Shaner