4th New York Heavy Artillery - Mosby's Guerrillas

Item LTR-8134

Description

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


Camp Near Chain Bridge, VA

Sunday, 8 ¼ a.m.

April 5th 1862

Cousin Lu,

I received your letters of the 30th duly yesterday (Saturday) and with pleasure take a few minutes from the occupation of the morning to respond.

By your referring to the sweet memories your visit brought to your mind of days passed, it brought fond recollections anew to me again of those days.

Days far to joyous to last and not a day passes but the memory of those swift flowing hours and the last choking farewell comes up to find a place among the multiplicity of my thoughts. It is true we can never live those days ever again and perhaps never have a rehearsal of them. But whatever may be our lot, may our daily life be such that when the last frail link in the golden chain of life is severed, we can make a joyful exit from this frail world to dwell in heaven’s bright domain where partings are unknown.

I am pleased to learn that you are fast recovering from your past severe illness. And hope you may soon reestablish your health perfectly. You ask what to do with the money sent you. Well, I can give you my (bachelor) advice and leave you to act as your mind dictates. If you have no particular use for it, put it out on interest at a responsible place on demand that you can have it when needed. I have a sum of money at interest drawing seven percent. And the man takes all I have to spare at that percentage. I should not deposit it in a bank.

You say Old Jeff wants lathering. Well if I catch him, I will do it. I will lather him all over with Aquaforte and shave him with a hand saw. Old Jeff lathered us last Monday night. Mosby’s guerillas dashed on our pickets, killed three officers and seven privates. Their loss was a little heavier. We have slept on our arms for five nights in succession fearing an attack. The rebs are again concentrating their forces at Bull Runn and the current report is that a heavy battle will soon take place. Reinforcements are constantly going out and this indicates strongly we are to have a fight. If a battle takes place, then we shall see it, if not take part in it. This is a humble country. The land is so poor it is not worth the powder we use to fight for it. And the n*****s and crows are so thick we can’t see the sun after three o’clock p.m.. I have not heard from your father since but the regiment has made an advance at what place I do not know. Our Colonel has resigned, also five other officers. As yet, we have no Colonel but expect one form the regular army to take command.

Miss Jocelyn Conn has sent her love to me instead of best regards. I can but reciprocate it in this letter (partially) for pen “yes” verbal language is inadequate—as proof the literal meaning of that word. I have not heard from Em since the 27th of January and concluded she had declined to write again. So, I mailed all her letters home securely sealed for safe keeping.

And I have no wish to linger now
Upon this weary earth
For what have I to cherish here?
My heart is dead to mirth

Erin fame has now no voice to lure
Ambitious pulse is dead;
And all my cherished hopes have fled.

You will please inform me when you change your post address and whether it is agreeable to Em to have your letters come to her. I took the liberty to use these directions that you might then more speedily get my letters. It is nearly time for my company to fall in line for our regular Sunday morning inspection. Already the first call has sounded and the next comes precisely at nine. I guess I have written three cents worth and will close by subscribing myself.

Respectfully your cousin,

George R. Nixon

P.S. Please present my best regards to all inquiring relations and friends. I am well as usual.