17th Massachusetts Infantry - Wounded at Goldsboro, NC

Item LTR-467

Description

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

Camp Andrew, Baltimore

Wednesday evening
February 5th 1862

Dear Brother,

I thought I would impart this opportunity and write you a few lines. I am well and hope this will find you the same. There is nothing new of importance to write. There seems to be a prospect of our Regiment being sent south. We are joined to a brigade and are expecting orders to move soon. There has been quite a change in our officers in the company. Especially, Captain Brown has resigned his commission and Lieutenants Foster and Goodwin also. There has been a regular sifting of officers in this Regiment. I tell you they find that it requires something more than a uniform makes an officer. There was an examination of officers a short time ago and not more than one half of them passed. I think the prospect is good for our going home in the spring, say about May. I don’t know what your opinion is about this war, when the weather gets settled so as to move. There is not force enough in the world to stop them. I see that the south are aware of that fact by what there leading men say of our army. You will get an idea by reading this little piece taken from a southern paper. There has been some excitement here thinking that England would take part with the south. But John Buell has done nothing but growl. He has too much sense left yet to tackle the United States again. You have ought to hear folks talk here. They were ready to sail in. I am glad on some accounts that the thing was settled but when this trouble is settled with the south I should like to have a brush with England. But you would have hard work to draw them into a fight. They would crawl out of a very small hole but it looks cowardly for them to take the advantage of us now. No doubt they would do some damage for a short time for the reason that their navy is larger than ours. But we should whip them in the end. I want you to write the first opportunity and tell me everything that has transpired since you left home. I saw a man from the Potomac the other day. He said there was eighteen hundred pieces of artillery along the Potomac that were only waiting for the traveling to settle so that they can move. I tell you when they do move they will sweep all before them. I never have received any answer from Adams yet. I have had two from Mr. Johnston, a number from John Atkinson. I have nothing more to write now. So good night.

From your Brother,

J. Q. A. Johnston

Dear William,

Quincy sent this to Mother and wanted Lee to send it to you. We are all well. All send their love. Write soon.

Agnes