4th Vermont Infantry - Wounded at Fredericksburg

Item LTR-6960

Description

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


Headquarters, Smith’s Division
Camp Griffin, VA

October 26, 1861

My Dear Friend,

Your very welcome letter came to hand last night. Was doubly glad to hear from you now that I am a soldier and hope as you promise that I shall be thus favored often. Do as you promise and I will do as well as I can in maintaining my share of the correspondence. I have written many letters but have received but few. But now they have begun to come. I hope the supply will not be cut off. I am differently situated than ever before. Am perhaps in a place where there is more danger but I don’t mind that. But at any rate, my friends seem nearer than ever before.

I have been quite well since I last wrote you. Have had but one or two cases of indisposition caused by change of diet. When I get acclimated, I shall be all right. We have tolerable good food as to both quantity and quality. But I long for the dainties of home. How good a little pumpkin pie would taste now. Or even such custard pie as we ate once on a time. Do you remember when? That was the first time I ever took any notice of you. How pleasant those memories. But I have little time to dwell on them. The living present absorbs all my time and gives me but little repose. I like the excitement of the busy camp and if I could be in a position to do the most service, I would be glad. Since I last wrote you, I have been highly favored. I no longer have to go on picket or carry gun and knapsack. I am happy that I am released from these arduous duties. I am now engaged at Headquarters in the capacity of Clerk. This business is more congenial and I have more privileges than before. I am released form all military duty and have only office business to attend to. I have an excellent opportunity to see and hear. It just suits my inquisitive disposition. I see all the great men who come to these Headquarters to do business. Hear all that is said by them. See all the military documents and have the charge of many of them and can read them all if I wish. And get beside considerable time to read and write. But am liable to be called upon at any moment to do business. I call this better than facing cannon. Though should not hesitate to do that were it my duty. But I am glad I am called to serve in a different capacity. Many can do the former as well as I, but cannot do the latter.

My friend too is well cared for. He has received an appointment as Hospital Nurse for which he is very well fitted. He can do much more good in that capacity and his friends feel better about that. Besides as they are Quaker and consequently opposed to war. He is as you think one of the best of boys and would be glad to make your acquaintance. His name is William B. Stevens. Address same as mine now. Resides in East Montpelier, Vermont. My Father’s address is John McAllaster, Stowe, Vermont. My sister’s Mrs. Delia V. Reicker, Highland, Doniphan County, Kansas. I have an aunt in Kenawne County and relatives in all parts of the Norther states. But you don’t care for their addresses. We have made a little advance since I last wrote you. We now occupy Lewinsville near which our camp is stationed. Our pickets are far beyond. This is a fine location. The country for miles around is rolling, rising here and there into eminences from which good views of it can be obtained. The groves here are fine, compared mostly of walnut, oak and chestnut. Acres of these have been cut down for military purposes. I think we shall move from here soon. But whether we shall go, I do not know. However, the grand Army of the Potomac makes no backward moves. I have seen General McClellan. The pictorial presentations of him are very good. I have seen some other lesser individuals but do not know all their names.

So, you have a brother in the war. Wish I could see him and make his acquaintance. But that will be hardly possible as he has gone to Kentucky. I shall not be able at present to find your friends in the New York 22nd and may not at all. But should you dress up in regimentals and come here, I hope you will come hither. I would like to see you very much. Wish it could sleep. I don’t exactly fancy the living here but don’t complain. I hope your brother will be preserved and return after the war having served his country faithfully. I have lately received a letter from my sister. She is surrounded by dangers but is not afraid. She is a patriot and is glad I am here. Since I enlisted, I have received letters from one of my old correspondents who has been away from home for some time. She and I had settled off but now she seems very anxious for my safety. She is a fine girl. Only one objection to her. I don’t like her iron religion. That’s the sock on which we split. She writes find letters and I am glad I have her correspondence once now. I must bring this to a close as it is a busy day with us and I haven’t time to write more now. Please excuse the hast in which it has been written and correct as you read.

Remember me to all your friends. With best wishes for your welfare.

I am in War as in Peace,

Ever Your Friend,

Henry