26th Indiana Infantry

Item LTR-7555

Description

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

Otterville, MO
January 8th 1862
Dear Friend,
I embrace the present and unfavorable opportunity of addressing you by way of letter. The only way of communication now existing between you and I. We are encamped near Otterville, MO and have been for some time. We are doing nothing now and still expect to do nothing for some time. Though we, the 26th, have always been ready to discharge our duty at all times. In adverse circumstances as well as in prosperity. Though we have done but very little for our country such as hard marching over rough roads. It is a lamentable fact that our Army is still remaining inactive in all quarters. While inactivity is the very cause that weakens our Army. Still our generals fail to make a forward movement. Already our Army has been weakened by inactivity. Every day we remain inactive strengthens our enemies and enables them to become more perilous and intimidating in their movements. This causes our army to move with less rigor and ability. Then in the face of light knowledge when light and knowledge stare us in the face surely why should we still remain inactive. When one defeat at Columbus and one in the Potomac or one in Kentucky would sting seceesh to the very heart. Or as the saying is kill it in the shell. One defeat would forever kill seceesh. So we would have no trouble in this way. But still while we have domestic enemies we have also foreign enemies which we bear enemies here at home. England seems to share in the bearing with the south and the powers of America.
With rebels we have our hands full at home in our own land. England, the mighty power of England, seems to be working to send an assisting hand to our domestic enemies in order that the Government of America my sink to rise no more.
England knows at their moment of peril that we are able to meet in open combat. Now if England should such a cowardly principle on us of waging war against us in the hour of trouble. Let every true American citizen rule the destinies of nations that so long as blood sends the reins of America. That America shall empower but I must look at the present.
I have written to you once before but failed to receive an answer from you. Although, this may deserve no answer yet. I cannot forget to request one from you. Excuse all mistakes.
Give my love to all union lovers. I remain yours as ever. Adieu.
To S. L. Dunn from M. Nixon
Dear Sir,
I hope my letter may meet with an immediate answer.
Direct to M. A. Nixon
Company B, 26th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers
In care of Col Wheatley