135th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-6789

Description

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


Camp near Belle Plains, Virginia
April 3, 1863

Dear Sister,

I received your letter of the 29th this evening and now am seated for the purpose of answering it. I was very glad to hear of your good health and spirits. And I can safely say that I am enjoying the best of health. Only a bad cold which is getting much better. I am very sorry to hear that Sergeant Hawkins has taken sick. But it is a fine thing that he is at home. For he can have a comfortable room to be in and then he can be better cared for in the way of getting luxuries that he needs. Doctor Henry sent on a statement of the case but he forgot to sign his name, medical doctor. But I think the Colonel’s testimony as regard to the doctor’s ability will be all that is necessary. Your letter this evening states that it is neuralgia in the bowels, if that is the disease he may be far better than if it was the fever. I am very glad to hear that Lieutenant was getting better. All I wish that he was here in place of some of our officers. But I think we can get along for a month and a half as that is the time we have to stay. We will be mustered out of service on the 19th of May. There is report that we will get paid next week. But I would rather wait till our time is out and get it all at once.

Our division was reviewed. General Hooker, General Reynolds and General Doubleday. G. H. is a fine looking man and the boys have a great confidence in him. G. D is our division general. The artillery that belongs to the division were in all making quite a large review. It is very uncertain when we may move from here. We may move soon and then again we may not move out of this camp till we go home. I was surprised to hear of the death of Bell smith, as I had not heard of her sickness. There is two of our company sick, J. Herreld and Sam John. I don’t know what their disease are but I hear that they are getting better. There is some of the company aching every morning with something like cold and such as that. Well I see the G. rode on. If the men are at work, that the women do the men’s work. I was glad to hear that the women had taken to take pictures. And if I get home, I think I could make the room more suitable for the business. I think if Mrs. Eackman had been elected to that office that she could see all that is going on. And not lay down in a bar room and let a prisoner escape. I think if that marriage come of that all the marrying stock will be played out.

Well, I must bring this letter to a close by assuring you of my good health.

From your brother,

Clarence Hart