59th New York Infantry

Item LTR-478

Description

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

Camp 59th New York Volunteers

May 31st 1863

Dear Wife,

Yours of the 24th came to hand two days ago. I should have answered before but I sent off a letter the same day and I thought perhaps you would not care about hearing from me twice in one day.

My health is a little better than when I wrote you before. Perhaps the reason of that is we had a sudden call last night or rather very early this morning. We were ordered out under arms at two o’clock light marching orders that is, haversack and canteen. The report was that the rebs were crossing on the right. The rebs ran some batteries into Fredericksburg this morning. So we have to stay where we are. I do not know what it will amount to but one thing is certain. If they try to cross here, they will catch hail Columbia. For we have got batteries planted on the river edge and on the bluff above. I think the rebs are afraid that we are going to cross again. That is the reason of their running batteries into the city. But that won’t stop us if we take a notion to go.

We are having very hot weather now. I dread this summer campaign on the account of it being so hot. I would like very much to have Eri the 3rd picture. I want to see how he looks. I imagine he looks as George used to.

I wish you would continue to send the stamps. For it is impossible to get them here. Have you gotten the twenty dollars yet? Write as soon as you get it. Well, I will close. My love to all.

Yours with extras,

E. D. Babcock