7th Indiana Light Artillery & 10th Indiana Cavalry

Item LTR-5660

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages written in period ink.

Camp 7th Indiana Battery
Pickville, TN

August 29th 1863

Miss Jennie Davis
Your very welcome letter of the 15th inst. Came to hand some two days since and as the mail goes tomorrow morning, I will write a few lines in reply. You say you were very much surprised to receive a letter from one whom you supposed had forgotten the scenes, etc. of days gone by. In this I presume you indulge me by yourself but far from my adopted home though I may roam it will never be forgotten and the names of the friends left behind are indelibly stamped upon memories greenish page. You also seem to intimate that I had a poor excuse for writing you a letter. Perhaps those old almost worn out letter are not held in as high esteem by you as in former days and perhaps your intimation is correct but a “poor excuse is better than none.” Is an old saying of mine. I will write my sister to send your letters to you as soon as practicable, but then you will have the advantage of me by having both letters and answers. “But woman will have her own way.” In fact, they got up this little war which is killing off all their sweethearts; I did not intend to convey the idea that your letters were similar reasons that a certain other person were for such was not the case. Or if it was I never discovered it. You say you do not know who the young lady is. I would tell her name if I did not know you could guess just right the first time.
I was surprised to learn that you had forgotten that Miss Ely was an old mischief maker but I will not tell you if you have forgotten it. Your memory’s better than mine is one suspects or on one point. You are quest correct that in this world of change it is hard to tell friend from foe “especially if they are in citizen’s dress” (an army expression).
Perhaps if you know the change that has taken place in the writer of this letter you would not care about writing to him on business affairs much less friendship. Therefore, I would be using deceit by not telling you the difference between Captain G. R. Swallow and G. R. Swallow, Captain. But to save you the trouble of using flattery of myself and me the trouble of blowing my own trumpet, imagine that I once was or was considered to be by the good people of Jersey. I will tell you what the army has done for your old friend. First, I play cards. Second, am not a Christian. Third drink whiskey, rum, gin, brandy, wine, etc. To make a long matter short, I am a fast young officer and very gay and dashing especially when there is no danger of getting my wicked blood spilt. The “tis sweet to die for one’s country” has about played out with somebody and my battery is no better than its Captain. In fact, I compliment myself that I am better than the majority of them. But that is not saying much for they are the hardest rats that Indiana ever sent into the field as soldiers.
I have four lieutenants. Sometimes they get as drunk that they have to be drenched with salt and water for the night before for they are out of danger and then the sober part of us make fun of the drunken one. I could say more but this is enough. No doubt you can imagine a slight difference between Captain Swallow and Swallow the Captain.

If after all the wickedness is taken into consideration, you think proper to write to me, I have not the slightest objection but should be happy indeed to receive letters from you.
I used to reprove you. Now it is your turn to reprove.
I must close or this letter will miss the mail. Your true friend and well wishes,

George R. Swallow

Give my regards to all my inquiring friends, they number 000.