155th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-6189

Description

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


Camp of the 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers
March 16th 1865

Friend Henry,

I was pleased last evening to receive a letter from you. It brought to mind many pleasant recollections of days gone by. Yet I was sorry to hear of your occasions ill health and hope this finds you are in as good health and as happy frame of mind as you enjoyed when we first soldiered together.

Henry, in answering your letter, I have no news of interest to write. The fact is nothing worthy of special notice has transpired here lately.

Reviews and making preparations for the coming campaign has occupied most of our time for some days. We have received orders to ship all our surplus baggage to the rear and be in readiness to move at a moment’s notice. You can judge of the hustle everyone hunting a box to pack his goods in cursing the old blankets and officers. Also the Rebel government every thing in general.

While I write an order for Corps review, came to our tent E. M Stanton and three or four ladies arrived here from Washington. The result is we have got to inspect ourselves of course. There is no swearing in that case our officers are strictly moral.

The boys in Company F, for that is what we always call them, are in good health and feel well. They say they are ready to do their part in the coming contest. May God grant us victory in the last great struggle for right and permit us to return to our love ones, homes and friends crowned with glory is my sincere prayer.

I was telling the few old members of Company F that are left that I had received a letter from you. They wished to be remembered to you. Speaking in the highest terms of praise of the relation that once existed between you and them. Soldiers are not apt to forget their friends.

The Officers are all well and agree in two squads much better tan one. They will not all pull together in this. It is much like it was when you were with us.

We have a full compliment of officers now in the regiment, except Company F and Company D. Company A: Captain Johnson, Lieutenant Camble, 1st; Lieutenant Moore, 2nd. Company F: McClelland and myself. Company B: Captain Grubbs; 1st Lieutenant MacMillen, 2nd Lieutenant D. McConnell. Company I: Captain Bell, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteers; 1st Lieutenant Strong, 2nd Pierce. Company C: Captain Heiser; 1st Lieutenant Irwin; 2nd T. Dun. Company H: Captain Allen; 1st Lieutenant S. Blair; 2nd Lee. Company E: Captain Laughlin; 1st Lieutenant Tompson; 2nd J. Vankirk. Company K: Captain B. Huey, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteers; 1st S. Foster; 2nd P. Marshall. Company J: Captain Magaw; 1st Lieutenant Cribbs; 2nd Bell. Company D: 1st Lieutenant Casson; 2nd Sweeny.

A beautiful list of names and talent. Enough to scare the rebel confederates out of these parts.
Hoping you will excuse this hastily written epistle. I close hoping to hear from you soon. I have to report for review forthwith.

Your old friend and fellow sinner,

W. H. King