1st & 4th Massachusetts Cavalry - July 4th Celebration

Item LTR-5600

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages written in period ink.

Beaufort, South Carolina

June 2nd 1863

Dear Uncle Sam,

Having a few moments to spare, I think I will devote them to you and yours. I am in good health and hope these few lines will find you all the same.

I suppose you have heard that I am no longer in the Cavalry. But on detached service so I will say nothing about it only that I like exceedingly well and hope to stay here as long as I continue in Uncle Sam’s (and I don’t mean you) service but if the cavalry should leave this island for good, I should be called back to my cavalry. But I guess there is not much danger of that. For over two thirds of the cavalry are on detached service and patrol duty so you see there is but a very few left in the cavalry. And they would do no good anywhere anyway without the other cavalry were with them. And 2 of them are at Hilton Head and the other cavalry that is here with us is almost entirely played out. They have discharged so many from it that there is but few left.

We are to have a big time here on the Fourth of July.

The pleasures of the day to begin with prayer by the Chaplain of the 52nd Pennsylvania Volunteers and music by the Brigade Band. Then the races, etc. sack race, foot race, jumping match, blindfold wheelbarrows match, a greased pole, with five dollars on the top for the one that can take it off and $5 to the winner of each of the above games. The whole to conclude with a run for the greased pig to be given to the winner (for his supper) and some other games that I have forgotten about. So you see we shall have a little fun. But no firecrackers. I am afraid --- ha ha ha.

Now I should like to know why you don’t write more often for my part I can’t get a chance. But it seems to me you might write almost every Sunday. But I cannot because there is no Sunday for me.

I don’t think of anymore now. So I will close. Goodbye all.

From your ever loving Nephew,

A. C. Belcher

P.S. Give regards to my Friends.

Callie