3rd New York Cavalry

Item LTR-5266

Description

3 pages, original Civil War Union letter written in period ink and war dated.

Camp Near Poolesville, MD

Sunday, October 13th 1861

Dear Sister,

I now take my pen in hand to write to you to let you know that I am well and hope this will find you the same. I am ashamed of myself for not writing before, but forgive and I will do better in the future. I like soldiering as well as I expected. We are stationed about 5 miles from the rebels and see them frequently when on guard. Las night about 9 miles from our camp, I saw the rebel pickets on the other side of the river. We were at the mouth of the Monocacy River. 18 miles from harpers Ferry and 33 miles from Bulls Run and 40 miles from Washington City. I understand that 1500 cavalry and 2000 infantry soldiers crossed the river last night. The probability is there will be thousands more before long sent into Virginia. As for me, I want to see one good battle before I leave for home and I guess I shall. I have not had but one letter from our folks since I left. I want you to write as soon as you get this and tell me how your folks are and if you have heard from our folks and how Ma is and if George has a notion still of coming here as a soldier. Tell him for me he had better not come. Give my love to our folks and write all the news for everything interests me here from home and friends. Good bye for this time. Excuse mistakes.

To Mrs. E. E. Walker
From G. W. Williamson [3rd New York Cavalry]

We have our horses, arms and uniforms for the field. Ellen, you know I promised to have my likeness taken in my uniform, but I could not get to Washington , no patience whatever.