133rd New York Infantry

Item LTR-7466

Description

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

Carrion Crow Bayou
September 18th 1863

Dear Parents,

I received your letter about 10 minutes ago in which I see that Father is sick again. When he got well the last time, I thought he would never get sick again. I am very sorry but I see no way to help him or I would. And I think he will have to wait his time to get well. For no medicine can cure him. I see you sent me $5 by Express. But when I’ll get it God know. For it will come as far as New Orleans and there it will lay until I get it. When that will be, I don’t know. For I have marched now more than hundred miles. Didn’t you know for it is in the letter and not say anything. But send it off the same as usual. How is it that Father is always talking about promotion. When my turn comes, I will get my promotion. So don’t be afraid about that. I ain’t got the watch anymore. I sold it a fortnight ago to Charley Landen of our company. The man that has sent the money in your keeping. He sends his best respect. I can get it anytime I want it. I wrote a letter home about a week ago. It was a very sassy letter because I was angry at the time. And I am now because I don’t get any more papers. You need not send any to me. For I will send a dollar or two to one of the boys and let him furnish me with the papers I want. You know I would rather read than eat and would give my last cent for a paper. I will put a dollar in this letter and you can give it to Sally Rosenthal on will account and they can send me one Weekly Herald and one Mercury every week as long as the $1 lasts. By that time, I will send some more money to him. Let me know who you give the money to.

We had quite a brisk skirmish the other day with the rebels. The 26th Massachusetts Regiment of our brigade was on picket and in the morning they were driven in our regiment. It was called out to support them. In the afternoon we relieved them and in the night the firing was kept up on both sides. There was no one hurt on my post. I had three men under my control. The day after we were relieved by the 14th Maine of our brigade and the next day the rebs came out of the woods. The Cavalry charged on them while the artillery gave them grape and canister while we marched to flank them. But they got away from us. But our Cavalry chased them 7 miles. It was a first rate skirmish that night. We went on picket again but no one troubled us. We are living first rate. We have chickens, sweet potatoes, figs and everything you can think of. The other day, I went out and dug up a great lot of peanuts. Which grew in the ground like potatoes. Give my respects to all the boys and girls. Also to Peter and wife. Also, Mrs. Weltz.

Yours,

J. Eisemann

P.S. Please send me about one dozen stamps and oblige.

Johnny Eisemann