10th Connecticut Infantry

Item LTR-6731

Description

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


Camp 10th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers
Deep Bottom, Virginia

June 26th 1864

My Dear Abbie,

If my memory serves me right, just four years ago tonight, a little later in the evening than this, we united our destinies, nearly three years of that we have been separated lovingly and in peace and quiet. We were permitted to enjoy each others society for more than a year. A dear little one had been given to us to cheer us on our way. We have a pleasant home. We had just got things arranged so that we could take comfort in our own home with none to molest. We with confidence looked forward with pleasing anticipation for the future. But our hopes were destined to be brighter. Our beloved country which hence so long enjoyed peace and quiet was soon to be engaged in a long and bloody civil war. Which should well nigh destroy our government and overthrow the liberties of the people duty pointed me the way and I responded.

Hard was it to part from those dear associations of home but if our country was in need, so were ever all our hopes.

As I said, we have been separated three years during that time we have been greatly blessed. God has mercifully preserved our lives and health and today we can look forward with some wealth of confidence to a speedy and happy reunion. God grant that our lives may be spared to see that happy day when war shall no longer blight our country. But when from one end of the land to the other. The stars and stripes shall float proudly over every foot of soil. When every inhabitant of the land shall acknowledge its supremacy over every foot of soil be free. Then we see a haven of peace that will be lasting. That we shall be permitted to enjoy ourselves under one own vine and fig tree. May the day be hastened. We have heard not of much of Sunday here today. The regiment has been on fatigue all the men for duty. What few noncommissioned officers and convalescents were in camp were at work fixing up their tents.

The pioneers were fixing up the Headquarters. All together it was a busy day. Not much like Sunday. The day here has been dreadfully hot. We have a splendid place for berthing. As we encamped right on the bank of the River. I was in twice today. Went in early this morning and had a splendid wash and again this evening at dark.

I think and shall improve it as long as we remain here and it is reviving.

The Gun Boats done quite an amount of shelling this morning. I think a Rebel Cavalry man was seen in the distance or something of that sort. I think we are perfectly safe here under the cover of the gun boats.

I went to the landing at Bermuda Hundred last night to make some arrangements if possible to get our express up from Fortress Monroe. I made arrangements to get it Monday night. I got back to camp about ten or eleven o’clock. It is a good long ride down there and back. I really dread going down tomorrow afternoon. As I shall have to start early. As I shall have so much to do for myself and the boys. It is a good deal like going to New York. Have to make out a list of what is wanted.

27th. Everything thing is quiet today. Our men are in camp. Captain Wyman, division commissary, has just come over to pay the veterans their commutations for subsistence while at home. They get over $11 a piece. That will be quite an amount of money circulating in camp again. His coming has quite put me back with my writing.

I can’t get along at all. This hot weather it is now afternoon and I shall not be able to write much more.

Glorious news from Maryland. Everything is working well. The glorious day is calling us. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.

Give my love to all. God bless you dear Bennie.

Ever your loving,

Benjamin