55th Ohio Infantry

Item LTR-6761

Description

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


Chester, PA
November 21, 1862


Dear Mother,

I received your letter last Saturday and should have answered it immediately but have been expecting marching orders every day for nearly a week. I expect to leave here tomorrow or next day if not the first of next week. I do not expect to get to the regiment for some time yet.

I see that I can not use my leg as well as I could before I saw Bull Run. And as trouble never comes singly, I have the rheumatism in my shoulders so I do not feel comfortable.

Thanksgiving day today and we are to have a big dinner here and it is nearly time for it. I must let the letter go until after dinner. (Dinner over) I have done full justice to all the good things set before me.

We have not yet received our pay and I can tell nothing about it. I do not know why they have not paid us. I intended that you shall use it when it comes of course.

I hope Hester and John can live together but I have my doubts. Chauncey L. has been discharged from the service. I received a letter from him last week. He was at Bellevue. The regiment is at Hopewell, VA. The address is Co “C”, 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sigel’s Corps via Washington, DC.

I wanted a furlough for thirty days but that was out of the question. It is nearly time for the mail to close and besides I ate to much dinner to feel very comfortable. I expect I will be sent to the convalescent camp at Alexandria. I do not think that McClellan is a traitor but all are liable to make mistakes and I think his cautions amounts to imbecility.

Love to all. Direct as before if you write this month, if not you may wait until you hear from me again.

Your affectionate Son,
W. H. Rogers