149th Pennsylvania Infantry - Bucktails

Item LTR-6284

Description

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

Camp on Jerusalem Plank Road
Via December 31 A.D. 1864

Dear Cousin,

It is with pleasure I take the present opportunity of writing a few lines to you for to let you know that I am well at present and I hope these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessings of health. I had been sick in the fall and was sent to the hospital in Washington. There I received a furlough for twenty days. After I went home, I was not able for to return at the expiration of my furlough and the Doctor that was attending me extended my furlough for twenty days more so that I had 40 days at home. I returned to my regiment about one week ago. I wrote to you in August but received no answer. I also wrote to Cousin Mary A. Watts and never received an answer. Whether she did not think worth while for to answer it or did not get it, I cannot say. Tell Mary Ann for to write me soon.

The weather at present is quite cool and there is nothing going on worthy of notice. Everything is quiet along the lines with the exceptions of some cannonading on the James River near Dutch Gap.

I have not heard from home since I left. Brother Ambrose is in the western army. I have not had a letter from him since the 18th of August. The reason he does not write to me - I wrote to him a pretty sharp letter for re-enlisting and he got his back up at me. If he had seen as much fighting as I have, he would not have enlisted again. I am sorry that we lost the election, for we cannot expect anything but 4 years more war. For my part, I am heartily sick of the war and I do not see as the war is any nearer to an end that it was three years ago.

I saw a letter that my Father had received from Cousin Joseph Price. He sated in one of his letters that he had been cheated out of 2d lieutenancy. His time is very near out. I have about 20 months yet for to serve. I wish that my time was out so that I could get out of the God forsaken Virginia. When I was at home, I was to see Uncle William Price’s. They were all well when I was there. I put in a good time while I was at home but I was almost too lazy for to move around much.

For the present, I shall have for to bid you farewell, hoping for to hear from you soon. Be assured I ever remain your sincere and affectionate cousin,


Sylvester Price

Abraham M. Price

Direct as follows:
Sylvester F. Price
Company H, 149th
Regiment P.V.
Washington, D.C.