123rd Ohio Infantry

Item LTR-7151

Description

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

Camp Holly
February 19th 1865

Miss Mary E. Barkdull
Dear Madam,

Your welcome forbearing date February 8th is at hand. Its contents perused with pleasure. But I am happy to tell you although your age is much younger than I could desire your compassion and physiology smite me completely. I always admired a red rosy cheek and much more where the eyes and hair are dark. My whole affectionate at once loomed to be with one strain of thought. I am determined to see the object of my unseen love at the earliest opportunity. You may think me hasty and very bold at declaring myself your lover at no acquaintance at all but you will please excuse my forwardness in this letter as my intentions are of the purest character.

We all hope soon to return to our peaceful homes again and we have good faith that this unlikely rebellion will cease in the space of three or four months at the worst. And I sincerely hope to have you continue to correspond with me if my almost unworthy lines shall please you to do so.

As you gave a mere minute description of yourself than I did, I will here add that my height is five feet nine inches and a half. Do you see I have the advantage of you of the difference of nine and a half inches? My weight is also much greater than your own as I weigh at present one hundred and eighty nine and one half pounds but have weighted much lighter when not quite so fleshy as I am now. I will repeat the invitation for you to still continue to write so your welcome message will at all times be greeted with the greatest pleasure. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain respectfully yours,

Conrad Haas
Company H, 123rd Regiment
24th Corps Army of the James River Washington

Please excuse all bad spelling and grammatical sentences.

Respectfully yours,
C. H.