115th New York Infantry - Captured at Harper's Ferry

Item LTR-7769

Description

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


Camp of the 115th New York Infantry Volunteers
Bermuda Hundred, Virginia

August 23rd 1864

Friend Morgan,

I now take my pencil in hand to write you a few lines. I am well and hope they may find you the same. Since I have joined my Company, I have been in three different engagements and two skirmishes. So, you see we are not all together idle. For the past 8 days Morgan, the 115th has had a tough time of it. So much so that they are about played out. Out of six nights, I only got one night’s rest. The balance of the time, we were marching and fighting. We have done a great deal of marching nights and when we halted for rest, I could not sit down and go to sleep. About as soon. God knows I don’t want to see another six days as hard work while I am in the service. The Regiment lost in killed, wounded, and prisoners 94. So, we have only 132 muskets in the Regiment. Now that is a field report and you know you can’t count a man for duty that has no gun. Here, Morgan, the Pay Master has not come to us yet. But as soon as he does, I will send you what I am indebted to you. How does business go now? Are we now as brisk as when I was there? If so, you must be about played out. How does George Proefer nowadays/. Is he in NY? If so give him my respects.

I believe I have written all the news for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon. I will close. Accept compliments.

From your friend,

J. C. Abeel
Company C, 115th New York State Volunteers
Bermuda Hundred, Virginia

P.S. Please excuse lead pencil as ink is scarce.

J.C.A.

To: M.L.H.