1st Massachusetts Infantry & Cavalry

Item LTR-388

Description

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

Camp Banks
July 2, 1861


Cousin Hannah,

I received your letter on the 1st and was very glad to hear from Boston. I am glad to hear you are all well except Aunt Lizzie and I’m sorry for her. Tell William to send me some of the fish he caught. Last night there was a very large comet to be seen out here. It was the largest one I ever saw. Yesterday afternoon it rained a regular torrent and we were all afloat here. In the night we made a great fire of logs of wood which we cut, and some of us laid down with our feet to the fire and slept through the night. One night last week our guard arrested a man who lives very near the camp for shooting at his wife. He was sent to Washington to be tried. I understand we are to get our new U. S. uniforms today. Last week there was a fight near Alexandria about ten miles from us and about twenty-four rebels killed and one of our side. Pretty good wasn’t it. Tell Gus to be sure to write to me and all the rest. I have not done any duty for a week. I have got a very bad cold and it takes the strength all out of me. I am glad Aunt Agnes has got some work for I suppose business is very dull in Boston. I must now close this epistle for my time is short. Tell Stephen I send my best respects to him and hope I shall see him again some time. Tell them all I send my love and want them to write.

Your Affectionate Cousin

Theodore C. Dennis

P. S. Please tell Gus to give my respects to Mr. Page.

T. C. Dennis