25th New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-490

Description

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

Camp Casey, East Capital Hill
Washington, DC

Tuesday Evening, October 21st 1862

Yours of the 18th I received this afternoon containing $10, which is all right. We have not received our monthly pay yet and I don’t know when we will. Some say that we will get it the first of next month. But I don’t think anything about it. If they pay it well and good and if not I can get along without it now. Some would like to have it first rate.

The single men are entitled to $2 per month. But if I understand it right it cannot be drawn until our time is up. But you might ask someone that knows and find out certain and get it I you can. I have heard that it is reported in Fairton that I am very sick. I did not hear that you had heard it but for fear that you might hear it, I thought I had better mention it. I am enjoying first rate health. I expect some one made a mistake and got my name instead of James Craig. For Jim has been quite sick. He has had the measles and had them severe too. He is getting better now. So that he sits up part of the time. If he is careful, he will be all right in a few days. Rufus Bennett has been quite unwell or several days but he is better again so that he is about today. Lew and Frank and all the other boys are well, I believe. I have not seen Mr. Colledge yet. Lew nor I have neither one of us been to Washington on a pass yet. He intends going to see him when he goes. I think I shall go in before long. We have been very busy ever since we have been here. Not much idle time I tell you what. We had a grand review last Saturday. There was parts of two brigades, 7 regiments of infantry and 2 batteries of artillery. We were reviewed by Generals Banks and Casey. They gave us considerable praise or our soldiering appearance. After the Review they marched us into Washington and by the Capitol and nearly to the Long Bridge when we turned to come back. We came by the Smithsonian Institute. Some think we marched about 10 miles altogether. They say it is 3 ½ miles from here to the Long Bridge. If it is we marched all of that distance. The boys stood it first rate. It was rather dusty. The seven regiments and 2 batteries made quite a long string. This is the second time we have been reviewed by Old Casey. He is an old gray headed man. I should suppose at least 65 but he is straight as a rail. Our Brigade consists of our Regiment and the 27th New Jersey and 12th and 13th Vermont Regiments. The Brigade is at present commanded by our Colonel Andrew Derrom. Sunday morning we had an inspection of knapsacks, etc.. Afternoon we had to go to meeting on the Battalion Drill Ground. The whole Brigade was present except those on duty. It was a large meeting. One of the Vermont Chaplains preached.

We have had an awful duty day today. The wind has blown very hard.

I have not had but one letter from Aunt Lydia. I have written to her since I have been here. I spend most my spare time in writing and can scarcely keep up at that. You may send me as many county papers as you are a mind to, as the fellows all like to hear the county news.

Give my respects to all inquiring friends. Love to grandmother.

Write soon.

From J. W. T.

Direct as before to:
Company D, 25th Regiment
New Jersey Volunteers
Camp Casey
Washington, DC

In care of Colonel Derrom.

I guess when you write again you may send me 10 postage stamps.