2nd United States Sharpshooters - Died of Wounds

Item LTR-486

Description

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

Camp Near Brandy Station, VA

April 13th 1864

Endeared Wife and daughter,

I received a letter from you last night. You may be assured I received it with joy indeed, to hear that your health is on the gain. I did not hear from you until last night since April first I imagined everything about you but I am glad to hear that you are getting better. Let folks say what they are amind to about you hiring a girl and having a doctor. You have to live and have a mind of your own about doing family duties. Dear wife, I never thought of any other man taking my place. I can trust you. In this time I never thought of such a thing. I wrote a letter Saturday to you. I am going to put on the only stamp I have got on this letter. I heard just now that our regiment was going to be paid off the 15th of this month. You don’t say anything about the seven dollars whether you have receive it or not. What girl have you hired and what is her name? How much do you pay her per week. Tell Joseph to write as often as he can afford to. I enjoy very good health. Got something last night that gave me the dysentery and headache. I feel better today. Today its very pleasant, the sun shines warm. The cars just going by to Culpepper for Lieutenant General Grant is going to review our Army today, the 13th. I get out of it because I am on Brigade guard. I came on Brigade guard yesterday. I am on for 4 days. We shall not be relieved until Friday. We are going to commence fighting the rebels the first of May. Grant is in command of the whole army. He is going to drive General Lee out of Virginia this summer if possible. I shall take good care of number one. We are not much exposed. The rebels can’t come very near us for we can beat them off very quick. I don’t think the rebels will fight much. For they will sure be beaten yet. They have got someone here that they can’t scare . We are going to be paid off soon. Do you want me to send the money home by Express? Send a letter as soon as you get this letter.

Our Corps is on a march right in sight of me. I can see them between here and Brandy Station. Brandy Station is some two miles from our guard men is some 3 quarters of a mile from here. I bought a new tent the other day for 8 dollars. I am offered 12 dollars. I shall let the man have it. I will make four dollars on it. I said I am bound to make something out here if I can. So with these few lines, I will close my letter after bidding you goodbye. This from your obedient husband and friend.

Yours in love.

Send me 40 or 50 stamps if you can get them.

Yours truly,

Joseph C. Barton