6th New York Light Artillery

Item LTR-5222

Description

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

In the Field, Front of Petersburg
September the 23rd 1864

Dear Absent Friend,

I cannot refrain from embracing the opportunity of sending a letter to you knowing how anxious you must be to learn how I am getting along as some time has elapsed since my departure from you. I am in Uncle Sam’s hands now and have been for three years. I am glad to be living upon the whole. I am much pleased with it now but that there are some little circumstances which could withstand as they at time tend to allow the comforts. Everything is working well here. We are here within the grasp of Petersburg. You may perhaps wish to have some accounts of this city. But I have so little time to examine it and am unaccustomed with its numerous turning and windings and I am unable to say more than that. The buildings are exceedingly large, spacious and handsome. The streets constantly filled with rebel soldiers and baggage wagons hurrying to and fro. Everything is in a battle with them. There as the Yankees are clotted upon them. I had almost forgotten to write to you what I intended to. I will now proceed to tell you. As I was carelessly talking about Madison, Cal, a member of our battery, stepped up and inquired of me if I ever lived in Madison. Upon which I told him I did also lived there. Which I found him to be one of your intimate acquaintances to whose name is Donaldson Wilcox. So immediately selected a place to one side and had a fine time talking of our inhabitance of your neighborhood. He desired of me to tell you he was well as could be expected under the circumstances. To which soldiers are expected and I am also the same. God be promised good health. I should be happy to hear from you and all of your family. I should be hearing from Melissa. I have not forgotten her. I cannot write much at this time as I should like, as I can’t find words to fill my whole copy. But my time will not permit it. So please do not think less of me of a letter, as it is quite lonesome and I wish to drive away dull cares. Direct 16th New York Battery, 18th Army Corps, Fortress Monroe, VA

From your long absent friend,

Stephen Pangborn