4th New Hampshire Infantry - Wounded at Petersburg

Item LTR-502

Description

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

Camp 4th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers
Near Richmond, VA

November 26th 1864

Brother Charlie,

Having got safe back to camp, I thought I would pen you a few lines and give you the details of my journey. I arrived in New York Saturday morning. Had to wait there until Tuesday before I could get transportation. I went to Fortress Monroe on the Steamer Fulton and got here Friday, near being one week. They shot a deserter from the 9th Maine Regiment yesterday afternoon, just after I arrived. His name was Johnson. But I made a mistake. He belonged to the 3rd U.S. Artillery.

I was much surprised when I got back to find a letter from Charles Gay. He is at Rolla, MO in the 17th Illinois Cavalry. He wants me to get him eight props. I wish you would get them for me and let me know what you pay for them and I will send you the money.

I have not got mustered yet but will in a day or two. Everything is about the same as it was when I left. But mud is almost knee deep. We are having Thanksgiving here today. Turkeys, chickens in large quantities are carved up for us and all we have got to do is go in Lemorris. I have not seen Joe Carter yet. I guess his wife won’t get me to carry mail for her if I don’t do better than I have this time. I don’t feel much like writing, as I have not had a nip since I got back to steady my nerves. Ask Joe, Barker if there is a clam chowder down to Clem Johnson. This evening most all claims have Jim build a fire in the little room for me this evening. Give my best wishes to all the boys, also all the folks. Tell Ann I will write to her the next time I write. I will close hoping to hear from you soon. I remain,

Yours, etc.,

1st Lieutenant L. A. Gay

P. S. I have not seen Thompson yet but expect him up tomorrow.