81st Ohio Infantry - Surrender of General Joseph Johnston

Item LTR-7103

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter.1 page written in period ink.

Camp at Raleigh, North Carolina

April the 26th 1865

Dear Wife,

I take this opportunity of writing you these few lines to you to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at the present time. Hope that you are all in good health as this leaves me at the present time and we are all in good spirits for we believe that our fighting is done at least the infantry. There will be no more general engagement and it is currently believed that Johnson has accepted the offer of peace, offered by President. Johnson had until today at 12 o’clock and if he did not accept the terms, hostility was to commence after 12 today. The 20th Army Corps got under way for Johnson’s lines yesterday and also the 19th Corps but they came back in the evening. I suppose from that, their terms are accepted by General Johnson and other rebel authorities. One army division had orders to be ready to move this morning. But have not. Also the Army of the Ohio, but neither has moved and I think that when we move it will be towards home and to our families. I hope too. I guess you had better stay at Miss Lilly’s or at Father’s till I come home. I think that it will not be very long. I think till I will be at home if I live and I trust in God that it may be his will to spare us all to see each other’s face in peace again. I will write often as it I can and hope to hear from you directly. I hope that you are well enough to write your answer.

From your Husband,

John W. Boston