199th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-396

Description

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

Camp in the field

February 28th 1865

Dear Brother,

Having received no letter from home for a great while, I thought I would write and find out the reason for your not writing. In the first place, let me tell you that I am in good health and I hope this epistle will find you dear Brother and all the family the same. Secondly, we had inspection today and mustered in for pay at the same time. And tomorrow, on the first, we have another. And I am all prepared. Our daily duties are as follows. Six hours of drill per day, two inspections a week and camp guard and picket every other day and other things too trifling to mention. I expect to be on picket tomorrow March 1st 1865. Our Colonel Briscoe is stopping at The Continental Hotel at Philadelphia. He having received a twenty day furlough and his time expires on the 3rd of March. Charley, please send me The Criminal Life and The Press once a week. And enclose some paper and envelopes and a couple of good cigars enclosed inside of the papers. Like a young fellow in our tent, he has them sent regularly once a week and I would like to have the same, if possible. Up to date, no signs of a court martial. Henry Lomann is well and quite disappointed in not receiving his box of eatables. Give my respects to my dear, dearest Mother and all the family. And tell her to write soon. I heard today that the draft has been enforced. If so, I hoped and prayed that you are not among the unfortunate. Tell Sam to write me a letter soon. And let me know how shoes are. Our Captain is very strict. He will tie a man up by the thumbs for the least thing, but not me. Goodbye. The weather here is mean underfoot, but beautiful overhead. God bless you.

Respectfully your Brother to heart,

Harry C. Ridgway

Tell Bill Spiskey to write me soon. H. R.