57th Pennsylvania Infantry - Killed at Fredericksburg

Item LTR-596

Description

3 pages, original Civil War Union letter written in period ink and war dated.

November 15th 1862

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I take the opportunity to let you know that I am well at present and where I am now we are encamped 2 miles from Warrington. The rebels are only 5 miles from here now. They drove our pickets back yesterday. We left Alexandria yesterday and I think we will try the rebels another day. We have the nicest weather here that I ever seen before. The ground is dry as powder and no rain for two months.

I wrote a letter to John but I left Alexandria before I got any answer form him. Captain Strawbecker got a few lines from him stating that he is on detached duty in Maryland guarding a station well. I have some notion of joining the regular cavalry and try the soldiering on horseback. I think that would go better than carrying a knapsack myself. Although, I would have to stay three years more in service. I wish you would give your opinion on the matter when you write again. Let me know how John Barkey got long in trying to hide from the draft and the news in general. I have not time to write anymore.

Direct to Washington, DC, Company I, 57th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.

No more at present.

David Hay to his parents