1st New York Infantry - Brevet Brigadier General

Item LTR-7562

Description

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


Headquarters, Department of the East
New York City
February 5th 1863

My Dear Colonel,

I must apologize for not replying sooner to your welcome letter of the 26th of January but getting a new Department of seven states into something of a shape is no trifle, and the duties of an Assistant Adjutant General are, comparatively, new to me. However, as I gain experience, the work will grow proportionately lighter and I am at least grateful for the privilege of spending my evenings at dear old home after having been absent for twenty long months. I am really happy to learn that the “Old First” has behaved bravely in all the engagements in which it has taken part. And I think that much of it is due to the good influence which you brought to bear on the Regiment, and the gentlemanly officers you introduced. If matters had been allowed to go on as they did during our early days at Newport News, the Regiment would long since have been ruined. How glad I shall be to see you and so many other good friends in eleven weeks from now! Caster visits me frequently. You know, I suppose, that he has still but little hope of the jaws knitting together on the left side. What a good true noble man he is! I like him from the very first of our acquaintance and I have never ceased to love and honor him. He bears his great misfortune with much patience, but after all, he never slows down, and the gay, joyful spirit of older times is sadly changed. I will not let this opportunity pass without saying to you, my dear Colonel, how very much I appreciate your kindness in promoting my friend Berntz to Sergeant Major. He is a young man of character and ability and is worthy of your confidence. Although I felt a little disappointed in not getting him in my own service. I felt quite willing to forge my own wishes when I heard of his honorable promotion. I shall be glad to aid you, as far as I am able, in apprehending and sending back deserters. The man Dickinson (of Co. I) whose letter you sent me was discharged from the Hospital and returned for duty on the 24th of January. The Surgeon in charge of the Hospital indignantly denied having retarded the man’s return. While I think of it, is Shaw still in the Regiment? Somebody told me that he had been seen in the streets sporting Captain’s shoulder straps and he may want looking after. You might see how scarce officers on Broadway are, since General Wood came here. He makes short work of them. I wish you to remember me kindly to all old friends, especially to home, Leland, O’Herville, Fredberg, Morris and the rest of the true old stock. I shall long follow the course of my old Regiment with real interest and my best wishes go with you everywhere. And now, farewell! And believe me,

Your sincere and constant friend,
C. T. Christensen