42nd Illinois & 65th United States Colored Troops

Item LTR-6790

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages written in period ink.


Baton Rouge, Louisiana
July 11th 1865

Dear Sister,

Although I have been back several days, I have not given myself the pleasures of writing you before from the fact that I have had as much to occupy my time. I have not succeeded in finding an opportunity to write until today.

I got back to Baton Rouge upcoming of the 4th of July. In time to take command of my company. The regiment marching in the procession that formed a partisan of the day’s exercises. I found my regiment pleasantly and comfortably located in the U.S. Barracks that were built for the troops of the Regular Army previous to the war. These barracks are large, two story brick buildings situated on a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi and in the heart of the city. The grounds adjoining them are quite extensive and in dispersed with few shade trees, nice grassy fields, etc. As a whole, I think we are as pleasantly located as troops ever were.

I found that my presence was very much needed here as my 2nd Lieutenant, who I had left in command of the company, was shot and instantly killed by some cowardly secession villain a few days after I started North. As my Captain is Provost Marshal at Port Hudson, there was no officer with the company and I shall have plenty to do for some time to come straightening up affairs that have been very much neglected.

I enjoyed myself exceedingly during the few days I spent at the North and regret very much that I could not have prolonged my stay there but if my anticipation is realized the future has another such trip in store for me. Although I expect it will be a year or two before I am North again unless I should leave the Union. I spent two or three days with Julia in Peoria, Illinois found them occupying a little cabin with one room in it. As they had to take me to the neighbors to be slept when night came, that they appear to be in the best of spirits expecting to be rich one day.

Well, I suppose we would all be invincible were the pleasure of hoping deceived us but it struck me that they have a great deal to hope for still I trust they may prosper and that their excuse will succeed their most ardent expectations.

With much love to your folks and trusting that you will answer very soon.

I am yours.

Affectionate Brother,

Henry S. Wadsworth

65th U.S. Colored Infantry
Baton Rouge, Louisiana