11th Massachusetts Infantry - Wounded Gettysburg

Item LTR-7718

Description

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

Camp of the 11th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers
Near Potomac Creek, VA

March 30th 1863

Dear parents,

I thought that you would like to hear how I am getting along. I am in first rate health and in tiptop spirits. I got a good long letter form Chester Taft the other day. They were all well. I also got one from Joe at the same time. He was well. We are still in our winter camp, though we expect marching orders every day. A year ago today we broke up our comfortable quarters at Rudd’s Ferry and then we had to use our shelter tents for the first time. We stopped on the bank of the river 3 or 4 nights and then on April 5th took the boat for Fort Monroe. Then followed the long and disastrous peninsula campaign.

I saw George D. Harrington the other day. He has been home. He started for home the same morning that a telegraphic dispatch came informing him of his mother’s death. He said he did not see anything of you Father. You know that ring that you gave me. I broke it in the fall of ‘61 and then I sent it home to you. Did you ever get it mended? If you did, I wish you would please send it to me in a letter. I want to wear it. If it ain’t mended yet, won’t you please get it mended and I will pay you what it is out of my next allotment. Will you please? Also, I wish you would be so kind as to send me some writing paper, envelopes and a few stamps.

I think that we shall leave here before long for active service against the rebels. I will now close by giving you my love.

From your affectionate son,

Charles A. Fiske

Write soon and be sure and send that ring.