165th New York Infantry - Wounded at Port Hudson

Item LTR-6133

Description

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

Headquarters, U. S. Forces
Port Hudson, La. Aug 8th, 1863

My dear Ned:

I wrote you a letter on the 25th which you have received by this time I dare say.
On the 2nd instant, I received an order from the Adjutant General to report myself as Clerk at the Headquarters of Gen’l Andrews. I don’t know whether it is permanent or not, but it is an excellent job – no drills, no inspections, no roll calls, no knapsacks to carry, no guard or picket duty, and no musket to carry and keep in order. There are four clerks and we have a large wall tent to ourselves, the very best of eatables and negro women to cook, wash, and iron for us. Gen’l Andrews is in command of Port Hudson, you know – so we are all “hunkey “(that is the word, is it not?)

Captain Inwood of our regiment is on recruiting service at New Orleans. He seems to succeed pretty well: he sent up twenty-two, two or three days ago. The boys are quite opposed to this movement – as from the small number of the old members (about 200 men and 10 officers) we thought we would get sent home on recruiting services. But alas, all our fond hopes are dashed to the ground by Captain Inwood and his recruiting squad in New Orleans.

Now to the business portion of the letter. Seeing as you have the honor (?) of being a friend of one of the heroes of Port Hudson, I think it should be your bounded duty to present him with some token of your esteem, and admiration (?) of his valor (?). Now, I think me of something which might be just the ticket: a brier wood pipe with an amber mouth piece. Leaving all joking aside, Ned, you cannot procure any in Port Hudson – and I won’t send to New Orleans to be cheated, so I think it best to send to you for one. If you will enclose the bill, I will settle it at the end of this month, as we are to be paid off then. The best way to forward it would be to fold it inside of two newspapers tied at either end, and mark on the outside three papers, so that the weight of the pipe will be accounted for. Be sure and fix it so that no accident will befall it.
That is a mighty short letter, but it is the best I can do as I shall be very busy this morning and only write this in the absence of the General.

As always,
Your Friend,
George F. Prichard
Direct letters and papers:

My name , Clerk
Gen’s Andrews’ Headquarters
Port Hudson
La.

I send this letter enclosed in a confederate superfine envelope. Price before the surrender of Port Hudson $2.50 per doz. I learned this from a rebel captain of the 14th Ark (rebel)