6th Maryland Infantry - Wounded at Locust Grove

Item LTR-479

Description

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

Williamsport

November 20th 1862

Dear Mother,

I received the box you sent me on last evening and was much pleased with the contents of it. The first think I looked for was the apple butter pot. But did not find it. A great many other articles showed themselves which surprised me. You must have been very busy. I did not expect so many of those nice and neat little spring cakes. I expected to see a very large loaf of bread and a pot of apple butter when I beheld the shape of the box. But after fingering the contents, I found them much richer than at first supposed. I was standing by my tent when the wagon arrived. I did not know it was there until I saw Mr. Franes going out to the pickets to get Lewis relieved of duty. And then I found them going up to the wagon. John C. accompanied him and told me he had a box for me. I did not find those last macaroons until next morning. Mother, you send me much more than I expected. I had given out all ideas of ever getting a box from home upon hearing Adams Express Company declaring that they would no long be responsible for things sent by them. I thank you very much for all you sent me. Today we are baking peach fries and would like for you to taste some of them. I’ll bet I know you would say they were the best you ever ate. Tell Elyssa I thank here very much for the kindness and hope to return the favors at a future day. All the boys were very much delighted when they saw what was sent to me. This makes the third box that has come to my tent. We live like fighting cocks here. But do not expect to stay long at this point. The Battery left last night and we expect too shortly. Mother, I cannot express my gratitude of thanking you for the little sack containing darning needles and yarns for it comes to hand just as my stockings got holes in them. Nothing more at present. Dear Mother, give my love to all, reserving a portion for yourself.

Your affectionate son,

H. T. Murray