17th Pennsylvania Cavalry

Item LTR-602

Description

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


Front of Petersburg

March 27th 1865

Dear Cousin,

Having as much time as to tell of my whereabouts, I shall not neglect the opportunity but with pleasure render you a sketch of our late cavalry raid. After I left Point Lookout, I came to Camp Remount on the 7th of January and from there rejoined my regiment on the 26th of February. And the 27th we started out on a raid. It was cold, stormy and a good snow on the ground. After we abandoned our winter quarters, we suffered severely from the effect of rain and cold for several days. We have been outside our lines for twenty-six days. Our march is yet continued. We are in our lines during the last four days. So this is the thirtieth day we are marching. We have now made upwards of seven hundred miles. Thus far, we have captured 15,000 prisoners and twelve pieces of artillery. The damage we did to the rebels in my opinion cannot remain under a cost of thirty millions of dollars in value of our own money. We are now to make connection with Sherman’s army and the Army of the Potomac. Tomorrow we assume the march.

Dear Cousin,

I was blessed with good health thus far and am yet. Shelling and picket firing is kept up almost regular in front of Petersburg. Thus have I nearly furnished you a statement barely to certify that I am among the living yet. My time is now consumed and must close. Hoping our affections are still close ties of binding sympathy. May I hope you will soon favor your cousin with news from home. Yes, forget it not. Accept the wish of an affectionate.

Kiss dear Callie.

Your affectionate cousin,

A. E. Kilmer