1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery - Killed at New Market Cross Roads

Item LTR-7561

Description

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


Camp Wright
June 14th 1861

Miss Sadie Polk,

You will perhaps consider me a little bold in addressing a letter to you but as an apology, I will assume you that I have been ungently requested by J. R. Miller. What right he has to make the request is beyond my knowledge. J. M. Fullerton, James Miller and myself went down to P. Wednesday morning and returned this morning accompanied by J. R. M. and N.C. Shempling. We had an excellent time and pleasant visit. Seen the elephant and kept good company.

Now for a word about camp life. But there has been so many returning visitors and letters that I imagine you know of every little incident that transpires in the quarters of the C. M. Jackson Guards and anything that I may write will probably be stale news. Our provisions are abundant and the quality good as can be expected and our quarters are Bully. All the boys are in good health and spirits. We squander no time but to the contrary make the best use of every moment. Lest you will dispute the above I will make a short statement. We get up to roll call at five in the morning. Go to the fountains and wash while a delegation is preparing breakfast often which have worship. Next in order is a delegation of 8 or ten to the commissary to draw our days rations. Then we clean house (or straighten up) which occupies a good share of the a.m. Then we gather up in squads and locate ourselves ‘neath the shade of apple trees of which there is an abundance. We read, talk and laugh alternately not at regular interest but whenever the occasion suits. At 5 p.m. we go on dress parade which generally lasts an hour or two.

We know but very little of what we will have to do. Some talk of getting into an artillery regiment but to tell the fact about it no one knows anything about it yet. Imagine if you can the jolly time we had coming up on the train. All sorts of things were done and everybody on the train felt decidedly jolly.

I have been informed that you had considerable of a mellow time getting back from Canon. I heard you was posting bills along the way for the benefit of stock raisins. I should like to see some of the posters perhaps my influence would gain you some patronage.

I will not weary for this time by adding more. I shall expect an epistle form you by return mail. And perhaps, I can do more in the news line another time. Harry says give them all my respects and tell them I tore my flannel shirt. J. Miller says he will write to you soon. J. M. Fullerton sends his love to all and I will take the responsibility of adding the love of all the camp.

My address is:
T. Cadwallader
Care of Captain Henry Danforth