25th & 44th New York Infantry

Item LTR-6788

Description

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


Camp 25th Regiment
October 2nd 1862

Maria,

Neighbor Girl,

Your favor of 12th inst. date reached me yesterday and at your request, I will immediately write unto you.

We are yet encamped on the east bank of the Potomac. Doing picket guard duty as I informed your Brother in my last note. I wrote unto him all the news of the recent fight at Antietam and therefore I need not repeat that story in this for fear you may deem my note not worth sending and it may not be as it is. Letter writing has of late become a task to me unless it was of a business nature. You may find fault with me and say he did in my earlier correspondence write more to you. It was so in days when I was a private. But now the cares of life have been greatly multiplied and so Negros all my time.

And on the other hand, that bond of friendship between us although strong and on the most friendly terms is only so through neighborly esteem. It would be amiss of me if I were to write notes of a different nature or affairs now stand between us.

I am deeply sensible of your many tokens of regard toward me and shall ever deem you one of my best friends. The “little book” you gave me reminds me often of that fact. As I carry it always with me in my pocket. I read last night the 15th chapter of 1st Corinthians. Paul’s letter on the resurrection. What beautiful language for a man to use in his early day. It shows a great mind of learning and one who’s soul was filled with love towards God. Although he was in his early life, an unbeliever in Christ. Yet his letter preaching and writings mad him one of the first Apostles. Your book I will return with me if I ever come back to my native town. Which I hope to do after the war. You said that you had heard I was not well. That is an error. I am well. But not very full in flesh owing to our much marching of late. But I now look forward to some rest soon. If things take place as I contemplate, I hope our regiment may be assigned some post to guard on the Potomac.

You wished to know of me what I thought of the war ending. I cannot myself tell but I am of the opinion that it may continue some years yet. I heard you say that you did intend to wait until the war was over before changing singled life. Now you had better alter your mind or you may not have your wishes very soon. Do as you please anyhow.

When you have time, send me a note.

Truly yours,

J. G. Vanderzee