33rd New York Infantry

Item LTR-6460

Description

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


Headquarters, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps
Camp near White Oak Church, Virginia
February 5th [1863]

Dear Brother,

I most gladly acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 30th and as willingly hasten to answer it. It was a great pleasure for me to learn that you all continue so well and hoping this may find you the same. I am happy to say that I too am quite well. Captain Russell has gone to Washington for a few days and I came near going with him. But did not make it. And I was quite disappointed at first but have now concluded that I am better off where I am for several reasons.

Samuel is well and we are having a good time as anyone I know. And we are having quite a snowstorm. It commenced snowing this morning and now looks quite like Old Pike here now. There is no news to tell you today. Hence, you will not find this a very interesting letter. In my last, I spoke of you sending me a few articles by Express and as Sam has sent to his folks too, you can put my traps in his box and direct it to him as he has directed. We received four month’s pay last week and if you need the money, I can give you the use of it for a few months. And if it will do you any good, please write for it in your next and I will send it to you per Express. And did I know what I should go at when I get out of this. I should tell better what to do with what little money I have, but at present I do not like to let it go where I cannot get at it when I need it. I may conclude to return to the Army again, if so I shall want what loose change I can raise. I believe you spoke of attending a donation visit a few evenings since and that you had the honor to wait upon my big sister. Won’t that I might be so favored for it would be such a pleasure to me.

I am glad you went with her, for she is old enough to begin to go into the company of ladies and gentlemen and leave off some of her childish notions. And I hope you will do all you can make her happy. For she is all the little sister we have and it behooves us to treat her kindly.


What can be the reason of the change you spoke of in the stone store? I am sorry they are going to leave town. Blodgett and Roberts I mean. They are such fine fellows. It is a pity to lose them. Still Higgins is a fine man too.

What do you find to busy yourself about these days? Do you have any suits to hear or have you put a stop to all litigation and restored peace and harmony between man and man. I am glad such men as old Sweet and the like have come up with one, for I always despised such men and if they have been caught now, it is no more than they have deserved a long time.

I am damned if I can think of anything to write today and consequently will have to close. Give my love to the family and my kind regards to Mrs. Bowman and my best respects to all.

Yours in haste.

From your very affectionate brother,

J. W. Emery

(O. W. Emery)