1st Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-6729

Description

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


Camp Near Brandy Station, Virginia
March 3rd 1864

Dear Sister,

I read your letter of the 19th of February and I was very glad to hear from you.

I am well and hope this will find you the same.

The weather out here is very good for the season. Today it is very pleasant. We have had a rain storm as usual.

When the army makes a move but did not hinder them. This morning some of the Cavalry passed our camp. They say that everything worked well. The move is over and I hope that they have done all they wanted to.

I should like to have been to that concert very much. You spoke of the cold at that time. I think it was some could out here. It would make a fellow’s nose tingle I tell you. You say a three month more. I say two months and a Batt.

The regiment is very healthy. There is very few sick. We are in hopes to get home by the first of May. But I don’t think we shall. I understand that we are the copperhead regiment at home. Let them know we can stand all that but let them say it when we get home. Some of them will have sore heads, but you know that I don’t fight.

About that box. You had not better send it for I can get along without it.

I saw that you have had another call from Friend White. I shall certainly avoid myself of that invitation when I get home and see the Old Fellow. I know that Messer had enlisted again.

I have just go through roll call and it is now 9 o’clock at night.

There has been a rumor in camp that Kilpatrick is on his way to Richmond. I hope that he will get there and not get into a trap as they did in Florida. And I am afraid that Sherman will get into a scrape, if he don’t look out for himself.

Tomorrow night there is to be a ball here. There is a large dance hall just completed for the occasion. I expect there will be a grand time and plenty of whiskey.

We have been paid off again and you must look out for the allotment.

Tell Beach to take good care of that baby for I want to see it when I get home.

Much love to her and husband.

I hardly know what to write. I can’t think of any news. You know more than I do.

Oh has Jackey Hersey come out yet. Let me know. The Major told me that he saw Peter in Boston when he was home. And said that he looked first rate.

The Chaplain is at work as hard as he can. Meetings most every night. He is a nice man and a good friend to all.

But I must close for I don’t know what to write. You must remember me to all friends. Much love to all the family and tell them that I hope to see them all soon. And now with much love, I remain your ever loving brother,

Benjamin F. Mead

Much love to Mother and Father and may God bless you all is the prayer of your ever loving brother.

B. F. M.

P.S. Tell Father that I want some clams. When you write send a few stamps and charge the same to me.