14th Connecticut Infantry

Item LTR-6537

Description

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


Saturday Evening
Washington
December 12, 1863

My Dear daughter

Yours of the 6th was received and read with a deal of pleasure. I am glad you are recovering from your sickness. I hope that you will be well enough to attend school soon. I want you should be very careful with yourself. I want to go Home very much. I think it is very likely that I can get furlough for a few days before long. I believe that I shall try. I have been out today on a pass. This forenoon I went to Washington market. It is worth going to see, there was any quantity of all kinds of meat and vegetables, butter, pies and cake, finally all kinds of eatables. I bought some butter. There is such a quantity to select from. You asked me if I have enough to eat. I have a plenty of good bread and coffee. Sometimes meat. I have butter when I buy it. I do not think that I shall starve. This afternoon I have visited the Smithsonian Institute, it is a splendid building, the grounds about the building are beautiful. I should think that there was 40 or 50 acres in the lot that the Institute is in. There is almost every kind of animals, birds and fish, snakes and every other thing one can think of. I wish you could visit the Institute. It is worth seeing I can tell you. I must stop writing for my candle is almost burnt out. Uncle Sam can’t afford to give us but a very short piece of candle. Sunday Morning – it is raining. Last evening after writing the above I went down to the Provost Marshals. A prisoner attempting to make his escape from the window in the third story, fell on the pavement. He died in about half hour after. When I returned from the Provost Marshals, I passed the White House, it was illuminated. The house and yard in front looked magnificent. The bells are now ringing for meeting. I wonder if you are a going. I have read a sermon this morning preached by the Reverend P. D. Gurley, August 6 the National Thanksgiving day. His text was in Proverbs 16 chapter, 9 verse. It is a very good sermon. 5 O’clock (evening) I have just come in from dress parade. We have a good band. They play splendid. We have a great many spectators at dress parade, any number of little boys and girls are there. It is very warm this evening. I am going to meeting when I return I will finish this letter. I have been to meeting. I was very much interested the church was crowded. Last Friday I received a letter from your mother. I want you should write often. My health is very good now.

Give my love to all inquiring friends.

From your affectionate Father,
A. N. Wilcox