4th Vermont Infantry

Item LTR-408

Description

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

Warrenton
October 28th 1863

Friend Gifford,

We are back once more in camp near Warrenton. I think a fair prospect of remaining here for the next week or two. We have had a long and odious march and I fear that it has done but little towards bringing this war to a close. Yet we may have accomplished more than what I know anything about. I hope that it may be so for it is very discouraging to under go so much hard labor and then to feel that we have not gained any advantage over the enemy. You have probably learned all the details of our late move from the papers so that I could not give you any information in regards to it.

I am still enjoying good health and prospering as well as could be expected.

I have not been “paid off” for nearly six months. I am getting rather “hard up” for the one thing needful, namely Greenbacks. So I shall have to give you an invitation to send me a few articles as soon as you can conveniently. I would like to have you send me a pair of boots, good thick-soled calf boots, thin uppers but thick soles. Number Eights and also a pair of shirts. Just what kind you think best. I would like a necktie. Not a rope to hang myself with but something suitable to wear around my neck. I wish you would send them as soon as you can and send them by mail.

When I get paid off, I will send you the money to pay for them.

We are having very pleasant weather here now, warm days but very cold nights. The heavy rains will soon set in and then farewell to our fall campsite. I would like to have you write me and let me know if you can send me these things and let me know when you start them, if you can send them.

Respects to all your family,

Most respectfully yours,

Charles Burroughs