1st New York Mounted Rifles

Item LTR-6485

Description

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


Williamsburgh, Virginia
January 9th 1864

Dear Friend Charles,

I now take the privilege to write you a few lines. I hope they will find you in good health as this leaves me. There is nothing new going on here. We do not go on very many scouts but we have very heavy picket duty. We go on every other day. It comes very hard on us to be out in that weather so much but I hope we will live through it all. Charles, I have reenlisted but I have not been mustered in yet. But we expect to be in a few days and come home on a furlough for 20 days. And we may lag in New York or Albany for a month or two. Most of the regiment has reenlisted. So I thought I would go too. You may think that I don’t care much for a certain one I left behind. But Charles, I don’t. This cruel war will last many years longer. So I don’t expect to serve any longer by reenlisting than I should if I didn’t. and the bounty will be quite good to fall back on when my time is out. Night before last we had between two or three inches of snow fall. And it is quite cold the last day or two. I believe you have had same good sleighing there. I hope you have enjoyed sport of skating with the ladies for I would give all I have to have the privilege. I hope if I come home on a furlough there will good sleighing and skating while I am there. Charles, I wrote you some time ago but have not received any answer. But please answer this.

We have very good winter quarters but this wet weather makes us feel quite different. But that is all in my life time. You must tell me in your next what you think of my reenlisting. I hear about you answer in a while if I don’t hear from you. Charles, you must not be backward in going to see Elmine for she is happy to have you call. She has often written to me wishing that I would speak to you about it. And then she was afraid it might make trouble with some of your lady friends. But if it is not too much trouble for you, I wish you would call once in a while. For it cheers her much. I enjoy myself very well but I would rather be home with my Mother. Remember me to Miss Davis and Mother. Also your folks.

I will bring this to a close for my fingers are quite stiff with the cold.

I remain your ever affectionate friend,

Robert Hatchman

Direct yours:
R. Hatchman
1st Regiment Mounted Rifles, New York Volunteers
Company E
Colonel Onderdonk
Williamburgh, Virginia

Write soon.
R. H.