81st New York Infantry - Killed at Cold Harbor

Item LTR-8090

Description

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


No 2 General Hospital
Beaufort, S.C. Dec 9th 1863

Dear Sirs,

I am sorry but your letter reached us to late poor but rich Miels he had gone home some days ago and may the blessings of Christ and rest on him and his fellow comrades. Dear Sirs I need no thanks in performing my duty as a soldier and a Christian and I hope with the blessing of Christ that I may always be found ready to help any fellow soldiers. Miels died happy in the fear of the Lord and the last words I heard him release was that he might meet all his friends in heaven. We have got several more sick here now. We hold prayer meetings in Hospital twice a week. There was one young man converted last night and I hope with all my heart that his good days may keep on now. I will always be found faithful to the last and if I don’t hear from or see you I will by the grace of God meet you and my friends that went before in heaven.

I remain yours and the soldier’s friend till death Rapheal Sanford.

No more at present so good night and a soldier’s blessing.

Please to excuse all mistakes for I learnt to love my savior and to write in the army.

If you ever call at Beaufort come and see me at No. 2.


Rapheal G. Sanford
Co E, 81st Regiment
N.Y.S. Vols