5th New Hampshire Infantry & Veteran Reserve Corps

Item LTR-7587

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


Medical Director’s Office
Fort Monroe, Virginia

January 29, 1864

Cousin Em,

How do you do, very happy to make your acquaintance and hope we may be better acquainted sometime, than we can be through the medium of the pen.

I was not aware before that we were so nearly related as Ed tells me we are. He says we are cousins and what he says must be so, I suppose. At any rate, I am satisfied if it meets with your approbation.

What do you think of this way of forming an acquaintance and opening a correspondence? Rather a novel way isn’t it. I like it much. But I guess it takes more brains than I can boast of to carry it through in very good style. But if it pleases you and you would like to correspond with me, I will use my utmost exertions to make my part of it as interesting as possible under the present circumstances.

It is now my intention after my time of service is out to take a short trip with Ed and he says we are coming to see you and as I am naturally a little bashful, I think it a good plan to begin to get a little acquainted. Before I start, he says it is a good place to get halter-broke and I think I shall need it if I have to stay in the service eight months longer.

I guess Ed had a great time when he was on furlough. He is a pretty rough boy. It takes me most of my spare time to take care of him. We used to be together most all of the time. But I was detailed to this office and now he has to take care of himself. Mostly of course, you will not expect a very long letter the first time. But if this receives an answer, I will give you more next time. Until then, I remain,

Your cousin,

George E. Houghton

“Emily”

P.S. Please direct according to the heading of this letter.

G.E.H.