9th New Jersey Infantry - Wounded at Walthall, VA

Item LTR-6959

Description

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

Morehead City
October the 17th 1862 years

Dear Sister Matilldey,

Once more I lift my pen in my hand to write a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and I hope these few lines will find you the same and all of Father’s folks. It has been a long time since I got a letter from any of you. But I wrote Alfred many and no answer. Hope I see one soon. I can’t write much now for I have been sick. I feel some better. I think I shall soon be able to eat hard tack and the rest of our food. It is hard for us now. The cold winter coming on and we have got to be ready. Otherwise I don’t see nothing else, it will kill half of us but let us go. It’s in a good cause. I for my part am willing to fight and die for my country. I have always liked but now I only stay. I always had plenty. But now it’s going get it if you can. If not go with out and starve. If the soldiers don’t see hard times, I don’t know for I stay the work and hard usage here in one day.

Wains was out more than one week at home on a farm. So, I guess I will stop for this time. I send my love to you and all the rest at home. Tell Mother I send my love to her. Give my best respects to all inquiring friends from your,

Affectionate Brother,

James G. Sickles

And will be until death. Goodbye.

I don’t see what is the reason Jessie don’t write as a brother had ought to. I never got but one from him. Write soon as you get this. Direct your letters to the:

9th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers
North Carolina, Morehead City
In care of Captain V. DeHart

Please send me your likeness and I will send you mine.

I would like to have Mother’s and Father’s in one case. Yours and the boys together. Send the four if you can. I will pay you for them.

I will send it in a letter as soon as I get them.

James Sickles at War.

Never mind, I will be home in the morning to take breakfast.