33rd & 54th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-6513

Description

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


Camp Pierpont, Virginia
January 31st 1862


Esteemed Friend,

I embrace this present opportunity of penning a few lines to you. Though perhaps, I am trespassing upon a privilege not granted. Though I trust that you will pardon my self assurance. I am well at present and I sincerely hope that these few lines may find you in the full enjoyment of that greatest and best of all earth blessings, good health. The weather down here in Dixie for the last several weeks has been the most disagreeable kind imaginable. There has been one continual routine of rain, snow and ice. So that it has been almost impossible for a person to venture outside of the tent without running the risk of getting immersed in the mud and perhaps losing one’s boots. I don’t think that we have seen the sun two days in succession in the past month. I received a letter a few evenings ago stating that you have good sleighing up in Chester County. So I presume that you are having some jovial times about now, a riding around to the music of the bells and attending an occasional party. I expect that Peter Jessie and Jack Mooney are at home now enjoying the snow. They chose a very muddy time to pay a visit to Dixie. I hope that they enjoyed their visit.

Saturday morning, February 1st.

I again resume my pen this morning to try and finish my letter. It snowed last night to the depth of several inches. And is raining this morning as usual. So it is not likely that the snow will last long. I suppose that you heard of the death of Benjamin H. Roberts. His illness was of but short duration that makes four which have fell victims to disease since we have been away. How many more will follow in the same course remains a hidden mystery until it is revealed in the future. Your brother is enjoying good health as are all the rest of your Charleston acquaintances. I must now bring my scribbling to a close. No more at present and I subscribe myself your friend,

J. W. Morgan

To Miss Annie Young. Please answer soon.