7th Connecticut Infantry - Wounded & Captured at Fort Wagner

Item LTR-5945

Description

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

Hilton Head, South Carolina
December 23rd 1861

Dear Parents,

I now write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope that you are the same. I have bad news to tell you and that is John Sessions is dead. He died last night, the 23rd of December. He died in the first place he had some boils on his knee and stomach and then he was taken with the measles. And he got cold and they struck in and that was the cause of his death. I took care of him part of the time. I was with him the night he died and I shall see that he is well buried.

I received your letter the 21st and want you should read this to John’s father and you must comfort him. The best way you can. It will go hard with them I think. It is the first one we have lost out of our Company. The king boys are a getting better.

I wish if you go to Hampton that you would go to Governor Cleveland and see if I can’t get discharged. Don’t say anything to anybody about it. I think I have had soldiering enough. I wish you would see if I can’t get discharged and I will stay with you. I can’t think of much more to write so goodbye from your son.

George F. Holbrook

I got your papers and was glad to have something to read. I don’t know whether you can read this letter or not. There is one thing I want you should read and that is to go to Hamptons and see if I can’t get discharged.

Don’t say anything to anybody about it.