8th and 11th Michigan Cavalry

Item LTR-6464

Description

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


Camp Ella Bishop
11th Michigan Cavalry
Lexington, KY

January 12, 1864

My Dear Friend,

Your of the 30th I have just received tonight and was glad to hear from you. But was sorry to hear that you were afflicted with sore eyes. Your letter found me with usual health and I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same good blessing. I received your letter of the 22nd the 30th of December and answered it the same day and ZI suppose you have received it by this time. There has been so much snow long back that it has been difficult for the cars to run, so we have not been able to get our mail for most a week back until today. The river has been frozen at Cincinnati so that the boats were unable to cross. Since New Year’s the weather has been very cold, the coldest weather that has been known in the state for twenty years. There has been good sleighing here for a week back and once and a while I will hear sleigh bells which make me think of the times I would if I were only back to Kal[amazoo] to enjoy your company and I trust that time may come. It has been a very pleasant day and thawing some. That cold snap we had last week there were three of the men frozen so that their limbs will have to be amputated. As you spoke about that going in our regiment leaving his lady love there has she informed you of him? I will tell you about the furlough, I don’t think there’s any chance of getting one yet a while, as we are so far away. I heard the colonel say he thought we would go south before long, but not knowing when we will go. But I shall try to get one as soon as I can. But we can converse through the expression of our pen till we meet again. As you requested me to tell you, my father’s name Christopher Austin and resides near Centreville Street, Jackson County, Michigan. I have been quite anxious to hear from home but have not heard yet. There is not a day passes by but that I think of my friends at home and you especially, and hope for the time to come when I may be permitted to see them. I received your kind advice in regards to those inducements of profanity and intemperance. Mt dear friend it is my desire to return home as with as good moral character as I had when I left. Anyway I shall strive to do so. You need not be concerned about that. Oh how I wish I could see you tonight. I am sitting alone in my tent. The adjutant has gone downtown. I went down last Wednesday night to the theatre. The scene that night was acting out you’d tell it was that good and I wished you was there with me. As my paper is getting short, I must close hoping to hear from you soon. You must tell me that you said you would in your next letter. You must not sew so hard as to hurt your eyes for I have an interest in them, haven’t I. Write soon, good night.

Give my love to all enquiring friends.
C. E. Austin

Excuse this mixed mess