58th Pennsylvania Infantry - Wounded at New Bern, NC

Item LTR-7028

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages written in period ink.


Camp Hoffman, Bachelor’s Creek N.C.
Aug. 19, 1863

My Dear Friend,

Your last is at hand, but I am afraid I cannot write you a very interesting letter. Times are so quiet here, there is nothing to write about. I was ordered back to the regiment last week but on reporting myself to headquarters and exhibiting that splendid piece of topographical drawing showing the surrounding of the line of outposts, with Col. Claussen’s compliments requesting a copy, I was ordered to return to Bachelor’s Creek and proceed to make said copy. So here I am enjoying myself, as best I can, this warm weather and doing as I please generally. There is no force in our front of any consequence and no prowling guerrillas to keep us awake nights. It is too quiet here altogether for a soldier’s life, but it cannot last long. Maj. Gen. Peck assumed command here last Friday. No demonstrations are being made on either side and seemingly none of preparation. All the moveable portions of both armies have been sent to other fields and both sides are on the defensive. As long as Lee holds Virginia with his veteran army, so long will the rebellion hold out. I am sorry to hear that Seth is so badly wounded and hope he will get home where he can be taken care of. And Olive too. I did not know she was in such poor health. I would like to come home very much but do not see how I can at present. So goodbye dear Ett. I will try and do better next time.

Your friend
Wm. W. Wells
1st Lt, Co. F 58th

p.s. Direct as before.

Dear Ett

I was taken suddenly sick with the fever and ague and am here in the hospital. I feel better this morning and hope to be around again in a few days.
Wm W. Wells