1st New York Sharpshooters

Item LTR-7076

Description

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


Quarter Master Department
3d Division S.S. 5th Corps
Nov. 26th 1864

My Dear Wife,

I was quite sick and feverish the day I wrote my last letter to you, but now feel much better. I took some medicine which relieved me very much. I had several shakes and fever since I wrote, but the doctor said this morning he thought I would have no more.

The weather has cleared off and is again pleasant. I think now that we are permanently fixed for the winter, as the contemplated move seems to be given up and we all feel very grateful to be permitted to occupy our cabins which was so much trouble to erect.

I got your letter of the 14th instance. I hope you may hear from Mr. Holtzman in relation to the sale of the house soon and it may be sold, as the money you must need it badly.

I have been busily engaged for the last two days with my paper and shall have to be for some days to come as the close of the month is near at hand.

I drew my Thanksgiving dinner today and eat it. It comprised of 1 onion, 3 potatoes, 4 small apples, 2oz of cheese and the half of the breast of a small chicken. What a perfect humbug it is to attempt to send enough for one square meal to such an army. I do think the people of the North ought to know better than to attempt such a project. It is nothing but an aggravation to the soldier and they only laugh at it.

Everything along the entire line is now very quiet; not a gun to be heard of any kind. I am told that Butler has his Dutch Gap Canal nearly completed. When it is completed, we expect a big time, as an attack simultaneously by land and water is looked for on Petersburg and Richmond.

As the mail is about to leave, I will close this that it may go out tonight. Much love to our dear ones.

I am your affectionate
Husband,
L. P. Morrison