21st Connecticut Infantry

Item LTR-531

Description

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

Camp of 21st C. V. Jan. 21st 1865
Dear Friend F. L.
I have just received a letter from you via, “Fabathy,” & as you are probably aware it is a very stormy day and a convenient time to answer it. I was very glad to hear from you, as I was not quite sure whether you was in existence or not, though Jim Rathbun told me when he was here, that you was still living. I don’t think there is any particular danger of Capt. L getting you back, though very likely he might have made the remark you refer to. We have had lots of new officers made since you left us. Billy Latham, Walter Long & Charlie Fenton & all Capts. Co C. has no Lieut. I think there is not a 2nd Lieut. in the reg. unless Walker is one. Spittle & Chipman have returned. Spittle is Maj. & Chipman Adj. Lieut. Col Brown is liked very much by the reg. as far as I know. When Fort Harrison was taken he seemed to redeem his credit for courage & I have heard but little fault found with him since.

Thos. Newbury returned a few days since. His health is quite poor. He is very much troubled with diarrhea & piles. He wanted to hear from you. Perhaps you may have heard Albert Harris is dead. He died onboard the Steamer Northern Light at Charleston after being paroled. Dr. Hamilton of the 8th C.V. was in charge of the boat & he saved his diary & give it to me. It was kept up to Dec. 11th & he died Dec. 13th. He gives a minute account of what happened each day, what they had to eat & when they had anything. It is enough to make ones blood run cold to read it. Mr. Rees has got home at last, nearly starved to death. Albert speaks of him in his diary several times & also of Wm. Waterous but some time ago, & sick & low spirited. I don’t believe he is alive. Albert’s body was brought to Annapolis and buried, with 21 others. As unknown they were so poorly marked that the marks were destroyed before they were buried. Jane has been to Annapolis after his body & had 9 taken up, which took 3 hours and found him and his body was started home by express, but had not arrived when she wrote last.

Our band is progressing as well as we could expect, but we very much need another Eb [E flat] cornet player. The brigade bugler plays with us when he is here, but he is home on a furlough now & sick at last account. His time is up today or tomorrow, he is a Penn. dutchman & a bully fellow. I guess I have changed instruments since I saw you. When Lumbard left I took his instrument 1st Bb [B flat] cornet. I use the one Brewster had.

Has Godfrey’s back straightened any since he got on duty at the hospital? I hope you will not be sent back to the reg. though I should like to see you & have you round, but if you can stay where you are, “bully for you.” I think you can serve your country just as well where you are & yourself a good deal better. I would like to come & see you, but that is pretty much out of the question. I have had a good many chills this fall & winter, but don’t keep them long at a time. My health is very good now. Please write again.
C. M. Gallup