47th & 56th Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-7661

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 7 pages, written in period ink.


Camp Holmes
Annapolis, Maryland

April 2nd 1864

Dear Annie,

This evening of my 29th Birthday, I concluded would be a private time for me to celebrate. Today has been cloudy and rainy and as I write the pelting rain leaks against my canvas shelter. Since writing to you last, our cozy little army home has received some additional improvements.

As three well mated companions are as contented, gay and happy as it is possible for army privates here to be. Yesterday as on all pleasant days, there was a constant routine of duties to perform. Company drill in the forenoon, officer drill at noon. Battalion drill in the afternoon and dress parade at sunset comprise a part of a soldier’s and officer’s duties. As I said in the beginning, it has rained hard all day. A rainy day you must understand is hailed with pleasure once in a while by all exceptions those who happen to be at guard. No drills, therefore, all can and presently do, enjoy themselves as life in the army is very conducive to mirth. So we officers of G Company have spent nearly the entire day in our quarters in various kinds of acquiescence. Such as talking over old times, talking of our youthful shortcomings and exploits. Discussing near true military sentimental, political and otherwise reading military justice, drilling one another in the manual of arms and bayonet exercise. While on the dimension of our miniature and extensible furnished dwelling would actually hastily recitations in tactics. Telling stories, smoking and breathing occurrence as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. I have been in good spirits all day. Although none of it I was glad to say have been artificial. I must say that my 29th Birthday has been pleasantly spirited. Although of course it hasn’t been as the completeness of it. To consider of the Society of Those Near and Dear and also from the bad reflection regrettably taken are very missed just two times of affection which exacerbated on the occurrence. My last birthday now seems the most forever in this world. But still, I have the consolation to fill the painful void that both of those lively spirits and I believe am now in the enjoyment of a mere corporal and Harper’s state of existence and that both of those noble faith loved and appreciated. We used in the spirit of kindness, this to overlook and freely forgive whatever of distress and anxiety it had been my company misfortune to produce hallowed there might be my missed cruel heart, i.e., the sweet though hard memory of Nellie and father.

Annapolis is or rather the envision are gradually becoming one vast military engagement. About 12,000 troops have already gathered here and every day they continue to arrive. Probably before a great while we shall have a grand review. The opinions in regard to where we are going and nearly are missed and the number of troops are almost everyone has an idea about the war.

I want you should as soon as you can have a good picture taken of yourself and Emma. To send to me. I also would like one of Mother and when you get them copied of Millie and Father. Charlie is well and getting fat and hearty. He has written two letters to Etta and received one from her. I shall expect two or three a week from you besides a Traveler Sunday Herald or Saturday Evening Gazette once in a while.

A butter and vinegar are to be rising in price so rapidly. I advise you to request of Stedman to purchase a firkin of butter for you and to sell you 15 or 20 pounds of tea and as much as a quart of vinegar if you have that money to do so. Besides my pay, I think I should make by speculation in the army, 20 to 25 per month. I feel the necessity of my service to make something besides my salary at the rate it cash to live nowadays.

Remember me to all my friends and give my love to all the family. I suppose you are kiss our little darlings for me every night and the kisses for you from me

Good night,

Grenville