91st New York Infantry

Item LTR-6679

Description

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

Fort McHenry
Baltimore
October 21, 1864

Dearest Deette

I received your letter of the 16th yesterday, and tonight one from your Father with one enclosed from you. You were doubtless at Uncle Cerenes the very day I was reading your welcome sheets. I have just finished my day’s work. Although it is nine o’clock, I am just going to have a real old sociable with you such as we have had if my memory serves me right. You bet Deette, I was glad to get your likeness. It looked as if it recognized me and wanted to say, “How are you Will?” No one’s face ever looked as good to me as that. You need never fear about my showing it to Ezra. I have never mentioned your name to him and father. It is my fixed determination not to. Ezra might take a better course and doubtless will. Deette, believe me, what I say, I mean.

Since I wrote to you last, we have been down paying the Rebel Mosby a visit. About three hundred of us went – forty from our company. I was not required to go but chose to rather than sit waiting while the rest of the boys were fighting. We went to Monocracy Junction, stayed in the battlefield where Wallace was defeated by the Rebel general in June last. It is now a fine looking field. The grass is green and rank where the army lay. Twas marked by fresh graves, broken guns, swords etc. We remained here four of five days, then returned without getting a sight of the enemy.

I have not received a letter from Ada Gregory and if she is foolish enough to write, I will send it to you “sure nuf.” However, there is not much danger of the writing any more than there is from Clovesville. I never expected an answer from that letter.

I believe I would like your plan for next winter after I return only instead of your being assisted, you would be one of the partners of the firm.

Perry is not in the office with me now. Left the other day. I am kept closely employed since he left. Deette, You must remember your health in your industrious career. I have often thought that being too willing was your only fault if indeed that can be called a fault. I know in your generous nature you wish to lighten the cares of your Mother – her health being so poor. It is perfectly right and natural that we should feel so towards our parents.

Deette, in reading over your letter after I wrote to you last, I find there are two or three questions that I overlooked while I was answering yours. One in particular in regard to letting Sarah have one of my photographs. I would say if it is Deette’s wish, providing she did put it besides yours. Another in relation to the oft repeated promises I made you, and Deette. He that knows all things knows that I have kept them faithfully with all the pleasure that bless can produce. Remember I love to answer your questions and will try and be more attentive hereafter.

Tis growing late [and] tis by permission from Lieutenant Stewart that I keep writing, from my being so attentive. Perhaps he understands the nature of my letter but I rather think not. Perhaps he would allow it if I were writing to a mere friend for he is naturally accommodating.

Received a letter from Doct. yesterday stating that he had received a letter from brother John. I wonder if it is possible for us to ever see him again.

I must bid you a very kind good night. You must be asleep and perhaps dreaming by this time. I wish I could tell you all of my dreams – only ten months and you will know them as they are earned. Don’t you believe it?

No more at present. Only remember me to all enquiring friends. Answer this miserable letter soon. From your own, William Kennedy.

To his own Deette. Excuse this letter. I will do better next time, Will.