29th New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-6307

Description

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


Washington City
October 24, 1862

Dear Parents,

I suppose you think it is very near time you heard from me and I think so too. Well, I have not much news to send you at present except that I am improving in health every day. I feel pretty weak yet and shaky in the legs but I can walk two or three blocks and that is very good for me. I weighed myself yesterday and weighed 116 lbs. In Baltimore I weighed 135 lbs. So you see I have lost 17 lbs., but I think I am gaining one pound every day. We have breakfast at 8 o’clock and dinner at 3 o’clock and between these hours, I eat apples and figs most all the time and when dinner is ready, I am at the table first and away last.

I am sorry to have to send home for money but it cannot be helped. I could have gone to the hospital which would have not cost me anything but I would not have been satisfied. I should have got home sick there, which would have made me a great deal worse. I have had all the attention here that a man could have. I have had one of the best boys that could be found. He has attended me day and night. Yesterday, I gave him a holiday and today he has gone back to his company. So that will be three dollars less a week I will have to pay. The board is $7.00 and servant $3.00 a week but that is cheap to what it is at some places. Where I am is very near the corner of Penn. Avenue. I have a front room where I can see everything passing and every ½ hour in the day there is a Regt. marching up or down the avenue.

James Maps comes to see me every morning. He is carrying the mail for Gen. Bayard. Some of the boys comes to see me every day from camp and say everything goes on smooth. I know Cornelius will attend to everything so I feel very well contented. The Regt. is building fortifications. We may remain there some time yet.

You want to know about our letter. We retain the same as when we left home and going to take it home with us on our return.

Where is Aunt? If I knew, I would write her but I do not want a letter to lie in the office three or four weeks again. If you write to her soon, give my love to her. Tell Mary I received her letter just after I had sent mine. I mailed one today to Elisha. Mrs. Camel is very kind. She comes to my room after I go to bed and wants to know if I have clothes enough or if I want anything. She puts me very much in mind of Grandmother Lyons. She is very much afraid that Stuart will get into Washington with his cavalry.

I have no more news to send at present. Give my love to all inquiring friends and kiss the children for me.

Your affectionate Son,
G. H. Green
Capt. Co. A, 29th Regt. N.J.Vs.