11th Rhode Island Infantry

Item LTR-414

Description

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

Minor’s Hill, VA

November 24th 1862

My Dear Boy,

It is now one month since I received the only letter you have written to me since I left home. I am very sorry that you do not thin of me oftener. For it would give me great pleasure to hear from you. I hope that you are doing your best to gain the love and respect of Mr. and Mrs. Armington, your teacher in school, and all others that you have dealing with and that I may hear a good report of you at all times. I am getting along very well since I was sick, am able now to do my duty. Our Regiment has had orders to be in readiness to march at a moments notice. We are in Cowdin’s Brigade, Sigel’s Corps of Reserves, and shall probably go where we are most needed. Though we may possibly stay where we are all winter. I received the box that Mr. Armington packed for me. You can tell him for perhaps he did not receive my letter acknowledging its receipt. We had a very stormy week last week but the mud has about dried up and last night it froze about one half inch thick. Today it is very pleasant though rather cool. But I suppose that it is much colder at home than it is here. Give my love to all of the folks and let me know how you get along. Write me a good long letter. I must bid you goodbye for the present. Be a good boy. Don’t forget.

From your loving Father,

William Atwood