140th New York Infantry

Item LTR-454

Description

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

Camp 140th Regiment, New York Volunteers
Near Petersburg, VA

November 28th 1864

Dear Parents,

Your kind note of the 22nd duly arrived last evening and to which I now sit to reply while convenient. Was extremely glad to hear all was enjoying good health. Hoping this may find you as heretofore. As for myself have never been in better health than at present.

I herewith acknowledge the receipt of the parcel which duly arrived the same evening. You have my warmest thanks for the kind act and at some future time will try and reward you all in some way, should life and health permit.

I have not tried the shirt on yet but am sure it will fit well. As for the gloves, they fit as they should.

I know of no news to relate as there is not enough stirring along our lines at present. I wish away the dull moments. News is stale except which comes direct from General Sherman and then it comes though rebel sources. So one can believe just as much of it as he has a mind too. I am in hopes so long as we will receive some intelligence from Sherman. Which will restart the very North, if he succeeds in reaching Savannah without meeting hardly any opportunities. Which I hope he will and release the greater part of our confined prisoners. Will it not cheer the hearts of many a Mothers who has sons on confinement there, undergoing the trials and hard life which they have it there. We have received no reliable news from him (Sherman), since he departed for that front.

Inactivity reigns through the entire length of our lines. Where not a shot is been exchanged for some time past. Occasionally, the boy’s exchange papers and are almost every morning there are some deserters from the rebels come to our lines and frequently some of ours go to the enemy. Today we have had Brigade drills, which was conducted with guard skills. I came off guard this morning and feel rather sleepy tonight. I expect to visit City Point tomorrow if my pass is approved of at Headquarters. It went in this morning.

You requested of me to write if I wanted anything else in the clothing line. I would like a handkerchief and if convenient a pair or two of large drawers. As I can obtain none here large enough to wear. If they are large enough, about father’s size.

I must close for the present. Write soon and often.

From loving son,

C. C. Miller