3rd & 23rd Massachusetts Infantry - Wounded at New Bern, NC

Item LTR-6103

Description

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


February 20, 1862
US Gunboat Hussar, Roanoke Island (NC)

To my own dear wife,

I have written you a full account of our fight here and I suppose by this time you have seen long accounts of it written in the newspapers. I and my company are yet on board this vessel. The regiments are on shore and occupy the barracks of the Rebels, nearly all of which are sent up the sound to be exchanged for our prisoners. We have easy times here on board but can’t say how long we may stay here. I expect to be ordered on shore every day. How long we shall stay here I know not, but shall write you every opportunity, as we only can now when a steamer sails for Fortress Monroe or the North. I am in excellent health and spirits. The slight wound I got on the cheek has healed and will have no mark. This is quite a pleasant place but very few houses on the island and is covered with tall pine trees. I have sent home to W. T. Savey, a rifle which I took from one of the Rebels. I wrote a long letter to W. T. Davis at the time I sent yours. There is no news of any interest to let you know as you can read the papers and know about as well as I do. I want you to have your photograph and Ida taken and send to me, go to Allen & Horten Winters and have them taken on a sheet which will fit in an envelope. You will see what I want amongst his specimens. Don’t fail to have it done, as I am anxious to look at you and my darling little Ida and yourself. I assure you I am thinking of you all the time and hoping to get somewhere soon so I can send for you and Ida, which I shall do as soon as I can as I am getting tired of being away from you, as you are about the only that writes to me. The last mail we got I only got one from you and Thomas and Art got 6 a piece. You must write right along and I shall get them all at some time or other. We shall probably have a regular mail here soon. One is due here tomorrow. I must have one if not a dozen from you, you did not write much in your last you filled it with religion. Now I should rather you would write me a whole letter on the subject and write news in the others. I cannot write much this time as the mail goes soon. We don’t know when to write here as we never know when a steamer is to go until just before it starts. This steamer will take the rebel banner to Governor Andrew from Colonel Kurtz, it is a nice thing. I suppose you can see it at the State House. I see by the papers that Congress thinks of reducing the pay of the officers in the army. If they do, I may get a little mad and resign and come home. But I hardly think they will. I suppose it is dull time at home now and everything dear, so be as saving as you can and have all you want to make you comfortable and happy and take all the comfort you can whilst I am away. I assure you I would give a good deal to be at home to at least to stay overnight if no more. You must keep up good spirits as I am ever with you in mind and return you yours true and faithful love to the best of my ability. Give my best respects to D and Mrs. Ammot and all in the house and all inquiring friends. I hope you will take good care of your health and Ida’s. I am enjoying the top of health and don’t fail to send me your photographs as soon as you receive this. I must close by wishing you all the happiness possible.

From your ever dear and ever true faithful husband.

W. B. Alexander