199th Pennsylvania Infantry

Item LTR-7248

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 6 pages written in period ink.


Camp in the field

March 22nd 1865

Dearest Mother,

Your much esteemed letter to me dated March 17th, was handed me this morning. The above date, also one dated February 20th 1865, in which you stated that you, Dear Mother, and all the family were in good health, as this epistle leaves me at present. Although, I am afflicted with a kind of neuralgia in the head lately. Now at the writing of this letter to you, my poor head is ready to burst. So, if I make any mistakes, please overlook them. Also, the writing in the first place, all on me to tell you that this division, first in number, have received heavy marching order and of course this regiment goes also. So yesterday, Tuesday, we received four days rations. They consisted of hard tack, coffee and sugar, beef and pork and fresh bread, alas sour bread and 60 rounds of Uncle Sam’s blue pills, alias cartridges. So, we are all partied up and ready to start at a moment’s warning. The destination is unknown. Even to our officers commanding. You would be astonished to see what a large load a little fellow like me has to carry. But I assure you, I will carry it, as far as I possibly can. The articles are too numerous to mention. I will always try and keep up with the regiment. I was glad to hear that you received my last letter. Mother, you must not believe those reports in the papers about battles having taken place. For all thing are quiet down here at present. You must not, conceit so much and fret about me. For it only makes you sick and unfit for anything. My sincere trust is in the almighty’s hands and your dear prayers and he will protect the right. About the small pox. Being at Fortress Monroe, I believe it is false. At least I hope so Mother. You may depend upon it, that I will write to you as long as there are paper, envelopes and stamps in my possession. No matter where I am, hereafter, I will write but 2 letters home per week. One to you and one to Dear Charley. And every other week, one to Walter and one to Sissy. I was very sorry to learn that the memorial was never received. I sent it by mail. It costs $1.50 for the memorial and put up in good order for mailing with one 3 cent stamp on it. As for the war being nearly at an end, that is out of question. It’s well enough for the loyal people up north to have that opinion, but I assure you, we are as far behind as ever. Yes, I seen Hern Smith. The vigilant engine member, down here. But his regiment, has left for Wilmington, NC. He enlisted for a substitute for one year. Tell his Mother he is alright. Mother, how is it about not receiving any relief money yet. Why you ought to have it long ago. Look into the matter immediately. It belongs to you and why not have it. Yes, the regiment that I Frank’s in is before Petersburg. Tell Charley those papers and cigars were received. Also, three dollars in money, two dollars in one letter and one dollar in the other and some postage stamps. Give my respects to yourself and all the family. The weather here is cloudy and windy. The company I keep is very good. I came off of camp guard this morning

Camp in the field, March 22nd 1865

Mother, I received a letter from Mr. Lindsey on Monday morning and he gives me excellent advice and I will endeavor to keep it always before me. He speaks in the highest terms of you and he says you are a Mother in reality. That’s so, no blotting that out. I expect to be on picket tomorrow again. I am always vigilant when I go on picket. Prisoners are exchanged here every day in large groups. Fife’s son, who lives in Racist, opposite the engine house, is in this regiment also in Company C. He was arrested as a deserter also and has just returned to the regiment. Tell Walter that William Cunningham, who was in the Girard College with him is the adjutant’s clerk of this regiment. He wants you to write him a long letter as soon as possible. If you do write, why write a splendid one and speak a good word for me. How does the partnership existing between Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Leverns get along? They are well matched I assure you. Henry Homan is well. His box was received. I suppose you are aware of it. No more at present. Write regularly and soon again. Good bye, God bless you Dear Mother.

Our regiment has received their pay and I among some more did not receive a copper. The Captain said the reason of my not getting paid, was that my descriptive list came too late to the regiment, to be mustered in this time. But I don’t think so. I think there are something wrong.

Goodbye.

Respectfully your affectionate son,

H. Ridgway

To hear and blood.

Harry C. Ridgway