17th New York Infantry

Item LTR-8044

Description

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


Camp Butterfield
Halls Hill, Virginia

February 4th 1862

Dear Friend,

I received and perused your welcome letter with pleasure and having a little leisure, I thought I would pen a few lines to you and let you know how I got along. I am now in the enjoyment of comfortable health and hope that when you read these few lines, they will find you the same. We have very little snow here. It being very muddy most of the time. You were speaking about my writing to Mary. I would like to accommodate her. But I think it must have been meant for a joke. For to tell the truth, I do not think she would like to have me write to her. However, tell her that I send my love to her. You wanted to know when we were going to move. That is more than I can tell not ever our Captain himself. I am making fine progress in drumming as you may suppose. I have also a violin. But it amounts to nothing by the side of my old one at home. We have plenty of music here. But I shall have to close for a spell as I hear the drummers call for dress parade, so let’s wait awhile. I now see by my pocket diary that I have dated my letter the 4th, it being the 5th, Wednesday evening 7 o’clock. I again resume my writing. I suppose you are enjoying yourself quite well this winter. I wish I was there with you this winter and attending school. Does Sarah Leary attend school this winter? Does she have any beans this winter? Does Horace live at home this winter? Write and let me know in your next letter.

Have you been down to Father’s lately? They do not write very often to me. Call and see them before you write to me again. And ask them questions about me and let me know what they have to say about me.

Be sure to give my love to Mary and if she wishes to have me write to her, I will do so. But I believe she is like most of other girls. That is, they mean no for yes. However, let that drop for this time and cus my paper is giving out. I shall have to close up by bidding you goodbye until next time. Write as soon as convenient.

Goodbye from your friend and well-wisher.

Riley R. Baker

S. Foster