20th New York Cavalry

Item LTR-6374

Description

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

Headquarters, 1st Squadron, 20th N.Y.C., Co. B
Camp Ferry Point ,Va. Jan. 28th/64

Friend Edwin,

Well, how are you Ed- enjoying life bully, no doubt. Hope so, at least. As for me, I am enjoying a soldier’s life first rate. Am well and am feeling well or did the last time I felt at least. I tell you, we are having beautiful weather down here at present just like June and today they are all out in their shirt sleeves. Such time as this up there we would be sowing any knocking about generally.

I have no news in particular to write. We are busy fitting up our new camp ground, stables, etc. If we stay here a year, we will have a pleasant camp ground, I’ll bet. But no telling how long we may stay. It may be only a few weeks and it may be even more than a year, as we are now on detached service. But probably there will be a grand move made this Spring. If so, we may be called into it. Then we will have a chance to try our cheese, knives, shooting pistols, etc.

Well, how is everything in old Pillar Point? I suppose “everything is lovely when the goose hangs high.” But enough of such. What are you doing this Winter? Digging right into it, I suppose. I would just like to pop in upon you some evening when you are all at home. Well, I’ll tell you what I would do, Ed, I would walk right straight into your Mother’s pantry, take a couple of pies and cakes, skim a pan of milk, take a loaf of good homemade bread and sit down and have a good old fashion visit and then smoke the pipe of peace. Well, now you may think that all very silly, but I would actually.

Still I am content where I be. Perfectly willing to stay as long as needed. But do not think I would always like to lead a military life. We have a plenty to eat of good substantial food, full as good or even better than I thought soldiers fared. At least I can get along with it till I get back and I grow fat on it too. But when I get back, look out for your eatables.

Nor do I calculate we have or are seeing much of soldiering yet, but we no doubt will have a chance before we get through with it.

Well, what times is there up your way this Winter? Where is By, See, Orander, Coon and one and all? What they all doing? Gadding around with the girls, I suppose. How is Gert? My love to her, your Mother, and my best respects to all enquiring friends if any there should happen to be. But I will close. “When this cruel war is over then shall we all meet again.” Or this money war in one sense of the word.

Yes, I am coming back sooner or later, or at least so I have felt all the time. Yet, Providence may see fit to will it otherwise. Goodbye one and all, hoping to hear from you whenever convenient for you to write. I remain your well wisher.
Direct yours to:
James A. Lee
Co. B, 20th Regt.
N.Y. McClellan Calvary
Norfolk, Va.