3rd New York Cavalry

Item LTR-5681

Description

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

3rd New York Cavalry
Headquarters, 2nd Battalion
Van Allen Cavalry

October 6th 1861
Camp Near Darnstown

Dear Sister,

Yours of a few days since came to hand in due season and was heartily welcomed and as I am alone this afternoon having been hard at work since morning, I write you a short letter. I am commanding officer this week as the Major and nearly all the men have gone to Frederick City to protect the election, which comes off today. And I am the highest officer in camp, which imposes double duty on me. Walter has been here a day or two helping me as he is only two miles from camp. His health is very good, as well as that of the entire company. They have comparatively an easy time. Its an awful cold windy day and my “Cotton Tarmac” flaps wildly so that I can scarce write at all. The storm of last week was terrible as we were encamped near the River on Muddy Branch, which overflowed its banks and rushed through our camp like a torrent. It made lively work for us all and the next day we got permission to move to higher ground. They are erecting a larger fort near General Banks’ Headquarters to command the opposite shore. It’s all uncertainty with us. We never can tell today where we may be. Or what be doing tomorrow. A true soldier learns to eat his pork and ask no questions and obey orders. We have the promise of going to Washington or Baltimore as mounted patrol to stay through the winter. But cannot tell whether we shall or not as you can tell nothing until you receive orders saying go. I was in Washington last week and wrote quite a long letter home from which is something I seldom ever do nowadays. I find no time to write to anyone and out of all my old correspondents have dropped them all. Received a letter from Mr. Jones a few days ago. Everybody was well. I am tougher and heartier than ever before in my life. I am in the saddle every day, which agrees with me finely. What regiment is Joe Hutchins in? As I may be where I could see him if I only knew where to look for him.

Our naval expedition is reported all safe.

Remember me to all and write very soon.

Your Brother,

Henry S. Joy

S. Joy