4th Vermont Infantry - Captured at Weldon Railroad, VA

Item LTR-7035

Description

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


Camp near Warrenton, VA

October 26th 1863

Dear Friend Emily,

I have at last got an opportunity to answer your very welcome letter which I received nearly a month since. I am sure you will pardon me for not writing to you before when I assure you that this is the first time I have had for writing for the past month. As we have been continually on the move. But what our moves have amounted to I do not know. I received your letter the 2nd day of this month. Then we were at Culpepper Virginia. There we got an addition of 26 men to our company. Conscripts and substitutes. Six found there is but a few of them Vermonters. A good share of them substitutes from Canada and New York. Most of them came here for the money and I feel perfectly willing they should earn it. Two of our number have deserted on the last march. My wish is that they may be caught and furnished as every deserter deserves. I think our government has been too easy with deserters for the past year. If they would make an example of a few of them by shooting them, it would soon put a stop to desertion. There is one man that deserted from this regiment about one year since and came out as a substitute in one of the Maine regiments. But the chap got too near home and was discovered by one of the men in his company in the regiment. Abe is now under guard and waiting an opportunity for a court martial. I think he will find before he gets through with it, he would have done better to stayed in his old regiment. Emily, I am just of your opinion about those stay to home patriots. I should think they would feel very proud to see the old state obliged to send drafted men where there are so many tough men that could come just as well as any that are already out here. I think if I was one of them, I would want to go into the woods or some back place where I would not be seen by any one especially while the war lasted.

I suppose by the time you know where you are going to teach this winter or you are already commenced your school. I hope you may be fortunate enough to get the best place where you will have the easiest time. I shall want you should write me all about your school if you have commenced one. When you write me next? I have not seen Carlt for a number of days. When last I saw him, he was well and still Carlt Felch. I was surprised to hear that Ben Cross was married again. Who can be the victim in my opinion? She is to be pitied. Remember me to Julia. She has my best wishes and also to your Mother. As it is getting quite late. I must close for the present. Hoping soon to receive a letter from you. I remain,

Your True Friend,

Edward B. Varney