74th Indiana Infantry

Item LTR-6136

Description

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


Headquarters 74 Regt.
Ind. Vol., Camp Chapman
Near Louisville, Ky
Aug 25, 1862

Dear Wife,

One week has passed since I bid you farewell. One busy week. My first in military discipline and finds me in as good health and spirits as when I left you. I wrote you from Indianapolis on Friday morning. We struck our tents and came on to Louisville that same night and on Saturday morning, pitched out tents in this camp. I have been very busy, having much to do (I am not crazy) and much to learn. Yet, I hope to be able by diligence and industry to be able to perform all my duties satisfactorily. We do not yet know where we will go from here or when but expect our final destination will be to aid in taking Richmond. All think the war will end by spring and then, if I am able to return home and meet you my dear in good health as when I left you., I will be happy, yes, as happy as can be in this world. If such should not, however, be the case and I should fall a sacrifice for my country’s good, you can have the assurance that I fell at my post, as I am determined while life lasts to do my duty to the best of my ability.
I like camp life full as well as I expected it and now to look back, have nothing to regret, only that my duty called me to leave you. I shall expect to hear from you often and will write you as often as I can get time to do so.
How does Lodge prosper? I think of Lodge often. Give my love fraternal to the members and tell them to be firm and steadfast in the faith. Give my love to Mother Egbert and all friends. It is past ten and I must extinguish my light and retire.
Dick and I occupy a Marquee together. He has already gone to rest. I have received no word from home except the letter you sent by Col. C. W. Chapmen.
Ever your husband,
S. Jack North
Be sure to give me all the news.

Address:
Capt. S. J. North
Co. F. 74th Regt. In . Vol.
Louisville, KY