13th New York Infantry - Captured at Shepherdstown, WV

Item LTR-7912

Description

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


Headquarters, 13th Regiment New York Volunteers
Camp Pickett

September 22nd 1861

Dear Sister,

I received yours of the 8th sometime since. But have had so many letters to answer that I have neglected you. But hope you will excuse me this time and when you write again, I will answer it as soon as I get it. I suppose your school has closed by this time. By the way, how do you like teaching? You say father says Lieutenant Gilbert, he is one of the best men that ever lived. Every man in the company fairly worship him and it seems lonesome here without him.

Two of our men got wounded the other day while on picket guard. The rebels are about three miles from here and our men fire into them every day. Tell Henry I would like to send him a scalp but we do not take any.

Tell Mother that I do not need anything she can send me. For I have money and buy anything I want. Ollie sent me a lot of postage stamps the other day.

I expect we will have a battle here before long. My health is first rate but I must stop writing for I have no news to write. Give my love to all and please accept the same.

From you Brother,

Erastus

P. S. You must excuse this awful writing for I have a miserable pen. Write as soon as convenient.

Erastus B. Sherman

Arlington Heights, Virginia