93rd Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-583

Description

3 pages, original Civil War soldier's letter written in period ink and war dated.
Camp of the 93rd R. P. Volunteers
Near Falmouth, Virginia

April 12, 1863
Namely Sunday morning

Father and All,

Agreeable to my situation, as you will observe, I am no more driving the team on account of succeeding Harry Seidel. He has left and gone home on Thursday last and consequently, I filled his position or place in the establishment as clerk which is more agreeable to and more pleasant to me than driving the team. However, the worst season is past. The roads are now beginning to get in good order. The roads in this country require a very good and scientific driver and must say I could just do it too. The soil is of such nature that when it rains it very soon gets so soft that the roads become almost impassable. And if it dries off, it just as suddenly dries as it become muddy because it is a sandy soil.

In reply to your letter, I was pleased to hear from you and glad to hear that you received our pictures. But I must say that I am really disgusted at hearing how those copperheads are going on up in the north. It is really disgusting and discouraging to the soldiers that they are as mad at them. They say the members of the 93rd would sure like to settle or fetch them out. The Philadelphia Inquirer yesterday gave a statement how those darn rascals were going on in Berks. No doubt, you heard and are aware of it and heard the results thereof. It is a rascally shame what traitors we have in the north. Every one of them should be strung up. Old Lincoln is too good and kind to such traitors and their property should also be confiscated and given to the family of the soldiers. Why it is the most aggravating thing ever I heard of. It is really discouraging to the soldiers. They are down on them like everything. Our army is in splendid condition. It is in better discipline than it ever was. The soldiers all look well but Old Joe has fed them up and they are speaking well of him. The troops are reviewed very often. They were reviewed by President Lincoln last week and yesterday evening they were reviewed by a foreign general. I saw him riding accompanied by a large concourse. He had a very odd kind of uniform on. He looked very foxy with his great hat he had on. The regiment was again out on picket duty. It is coming in today. I have no more particulars to relate at present.

I am not very well. I strained myself on the breast, although hope to get over it soon. I must close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon again. My love to you all. Jake is well. I remain ever your affectionate son.


D. S. Seibert