2nd New Hampshire Infantry

Item LTR-8151

Description

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


Bladensburg, MD
15th of the 8th month 1861

Brother Jim
Dear Sir,

Your timed and interesting letter was just received while lying here on my back on the straw and as I have nothing else to do this afternoon thought I would write you a line or two in answer.

We have moved from our old encampment in Washington to this place (Bladensburg) in MD some six or eight miles back into the country, the reason of so doing was on account of sickness. The old ground had got to be very unhealthy from the fact it has been used for a camp ground ever since the rebellion first broke out, and it was very filthy. We are now located on a beautiful side hill which smells fresh and wholesome and I think the soldiers have improved immediately since we changed places.

We are now encamped on the old battlefield grounds in history in the War of 1812 and 1814. We are on the same field where our troops got so badly whipped by the British in September 1814 who then marched to Washington and burned the Capitol. Pieces of shells are to be seen yet and an old barn still stands on the field with the balls stacking on the caissons.

There are four thousand of us encamped here now, more of on the hill than anywhere else. We are under command of General Hooker and are obliged to travel up to the “dough dish” a little I reckon. We have to drill from five o’clock in the morning till seven when we have breakfast then again from ½ past seven till noon and from 5 in the afternoon till eight which makes a pretty hard day’s work, the work is not so hard either as the weather tis awful hot, I assure you. If we had New Hampshire weather we could fat on the same work. I hope it will be cooler soon if not we shall all kick the bucket now.

I am glad to hear that the Democratic Standards has been demolished. It should have been done long ago and all other secession papers and proper, had it not been for the aid and encouragement from the Northern Traitors we would have been at home long before this, but it looks now as though we might have a long war. I fear France and England will interfere with the blockade on our southern sea ports, if they do we may as well hang up the fiddle. I hope my fears are groundless but still everything we get from their countries looks encouraging for the South.

I don’t know how soon we may have another battle, but hope not till cold weather but an awful amount of troops are encamped in and around the city of Washington.

Where is the old Prof this summer? Don’t hear anything of him. He should be out here. We would make him Brigadier General if he will only come and take command.

I can have a captaincy in the regular army if I choose to take it. What do you think of it, had I better do so or not? You see it much as a job for life with a chance of someday being General Colby. How does that sound to an ambitious Yankee. I think I will accept the offer.

My health is very good now, almost as good as ever and as live tiptop now. Have all the watermelon, musk melon and tomatoes we can eat and grow corn so you see we live pretty high. Am glad to hear that Libs eyes are getting better. Lots of love for Sis and Lib, tell them to write soon and forgive this hast scribble. From your brother,
A. W. Colby

PS: Please direct your letters to Washington as usual as we send there for the mail each day.
AWC