144th New York Infantry

Item LTR-5924

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages written in period ink.

December 31st 1862
On Picket Station between the Fairfax and Alexandria Roads

Dear Brother,

I am seated with feelings of sadness and write you on account of having just heard of the sickness of my family. I fear that I shall never see them all again. Oh could I feel sure that I would see them and all my friends again in health. I should meet more the privations and hardships of a soldier’s life. I should have written to you sooner but while my family were well, it seemed to me that I would not write anywhere but home. Several times I thought I would write to you and Reuben’s folks and other places. But when I write my thoughts went homeward. I received a letter from Harriet last Saturday stating that Augusta was sick and that Nellie was not very well. But they thought she was getting better. I told Emory I thought it would prove to be diphtheria and I was afraid I should never see him again. And I remarked I did not know what the children would do if Harriet should be sick. But oh it seems as though I could not endure the thoughts that I would not see her or the children again. I mean to tell one feels resigned to whatever providence he has in store for me. Last night I received a letter from Reuben stating that Augusta was taken worse. One that Harriet to Nellie were sick with diphtheria. And I am very anxious to hear from them again. My health is very good. And Emery is gaining fast. He takes his quarters now in our tent and draws his rations with the Company. And I think he will soon be on duty again. He has been very sick. I think the health of the regiment is improving. I cannot write you any news about the progress of the war. I do not know much about it any as far as our regiment is concerned. As we do not get the papers now for some cause or other they have been kept on the other side of the Potomac for a few days. But I fear that things are rather unfavorable just now. I am now out on picket duty. This is the fifth time I have been out. I like it well except in stormy weather. We are now stationed in a good place, where there is a comfortable shanty. The weather is cool but not stormy at present. We are to stay out three days and then return to camp. I hear that you have had quite a revival at the Centre. That backsliders have been reclaimed and sinners converted. I am rejoiced to hear it. I hope the good work will continue and spread through all the regions of the country. There is a great lack of religious privileges here. I miss those opportunities I used to enjoy. I don’t know when I shall enjoy the privileges of the sanctuary again.

January 2nd 1863.

This is a beautiful morning. We are having the finest kind of weather. The roads are excellent. The year 1862 is gone into eternity and under what the year of 1863 will bring to us is a notion. And to us as individuals, I hope that we soldiers will be permitted to return to our homes before that time. But I must close. I have but one postage and that I borrowed. So I enclose a few lines in this for Mother. Write to me as soon as you receive this and give me all the news you can. I tremble to open the next letter from home. But if I hear that my folks are doing well, there will be one light and thankful heart in Old Virginia, you may believe.

Yours,
Isaac Amner