3rd Wisconsin Infantry - Twice Wounded

Item LTR-503

Description

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

Camp of 3rd Wis. Vol.
Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan River, VA
September 22, 1863

Dear Brother:

It is sometime since I wrote to you. I thought I would not write until we got into business again. Well here we are again right in front and as usual doing picket duty. Considerable of a changing from drilling on Broadway N. Y. to the wilds of Va. Our lines are on one side of the river the rebs on the other. We have been here 4 days. The first two days they fired at us whenever they would hear a man. Our men did not fire. They now come down to the river and talk together. They are strongly fortified and have a strong position. We are under marching orders again with eight days rations. I do not know when but I think there is an advance movement.
We remained in New York City two weeks then returned the same way. Went on transports. We [were] gone four weeks. Had a very pleasant time. Had no trouble. While there the nights have been quite cool of late. Begins to look like fall. We are beginning to count the months now. Have nine months to stay from the twenty nineth of this month.
I received the money you lent me while at N. Y. All safe. Have not received pay since.
I must quit. The brigade inspector inspects us this morning. I must get ready.
No more at present.
Your brother,
J. W. Hunter

I will send Elizabeth my picture.