34th Massachusetts Infantry - Wounded at Cedar Creek

Item LTR-6551

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages written in period ink.

Worcester, Massachusetts
February 23rd 1865

My Dear Colonel,

Your letter came to hand on due season. For the past few weeks, I have been recovering very rapidly. So much so that I threw away my crutches about four days ago and have been caning it since. And I was hoping to be able to join the regiment at no very distant day. But, I have been saved the trouble of any through of that by S.O. #79 Adjutant General’s Office War Department February 17th which honorably discharged me for physical disability. You will have a copy. I respectfully returned my official copy for correction as they had the name Alexander instead of Alexis. Near term, I consider myself discharged. I did not wish as discharge at present. But was not consulted. I have to request you to return your copy of the order, also for correction and to request them to say “wounds received in action” instead of “physical disability”. As they have it now. I was going to start for Annapolis on the 25th but have changed my mind about it.

I wish you to send me an official copy of the order assigning Justed to the command of my company. I meant it as authority for the transfer of ordnance to him and would like it immediately.

Captain Lensh and R. C. Walker were here yesterday. Harry was also here. Dr. Smith was at Boston yesterday. Lieutenant Cutler was in town yesterday. I did not see him. However, I have heard that Major Pratt is at home in Boylston.

Please give my kindest regards to all my late companions in arms. I never would have abandoned them but could not help it anyway.

Please write immediately.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,

A. C. Soley
Late Captain and A.A.C.