17th Pennsylvania Infantry, 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry & US Volunteers

Item LTR-7251

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages written in period ink.

Yorktown, Virginia
January 13th 1863

My Own Darling,

I write you a few lines to serve as an apology for my erratic, I fear, very stupid letter last night. And also, as a note of transmission for an ambrotype which I had taken by the man who was to have been a photographer.

I went to his “gallery” this morning as I wrote Hattie, “on a lark.” For those of his chef d’oeuvre, which I had before seen did not tend to impress me with a great sense of his merits as an artist, whatever they may be as a private citizen. But I was so agreeably disappointed in the result of his attempt that I immediately consecrated it to you. Determining to send it home to my “sweetheart” tonight. I think it the best likeness I ever had taken. I hope you approve of my taste. The beautiful hat you observe is a relic of Harrison’s Landing and I would most especially call your attention to the extent and alarming appearance of my mustache as therein depicted. For I told the gentleman who conducted the operations to sacrifice everything to their successful representation.

I got a sweet letter from Hattie this evening in which she speaks a great deal of you, darling. She seems so glad to have you with them at home. As indeed I am too. For I know the more you see of dear Mother, the better you will appreciate and love her. And I like to think of you as one of our family.

Today has been a very mild but blustering day, with a very heavy wind from the southeast and this evening, it has commenced to rain. Which will rather retard the movements of the enemy who are reported coming down the peninsula in some force. Their advance said to be bridging the Diamond about 30 miles from Williamsburg. I believe this to be a mere canard but by all means let them come if they desire it. It would be a charming break upon the dullness of garrison life. I promise to write to you immediately should it prove true. So, you must not worry your dear little heart by the imagination of anything horrible or warlike until then.

I forgot to mention last night that no accident had as yet occurred to me from riding my wild beast. Not is it likely that any will. For he is very docile to me or to my heavy curb. I don’t care which.

My dearest love to you darling and regards to Richard and the faithful one.

Ever yours,

Ossie