115th New York Infantry

Item LTR-8182

Description

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

Chicago, Illinois
November 13th 1862

Dear Cousin,

I have just received your kind letter and hasten with pleasure to answer it. I am so glad Uncle Hiram has at last returned home safe and so well. I must speak a bit first. I was afraid he never would return. For there were so many that go to the hospital that do not ever leave it. I can but rejoice and do hope and expect to meet him face to face before next month. I this morning went up to the Colonel and asked him if I could have a furlough for a short time. He said I could. This is the first time I have asked for one since I have been out. Colonel and I are good friends. He has many times shown favor to me. And there will not be any trouble on his part. But then General Tyler, he is a nice man anyway and he may not consent to let me go and then it will be all over. But I have one thing that makes me thing he will sign it. And that is Major Cowen and the General are cousins and on good terms. The Major was my Captain when we left New York. But was promoted to Major before we left New York City. He is now provost Marshal of the City and camps and he is one of my best friends. In fact, I don’t know that I have an enemy in the world. And one thing I do know, I have many good friends. With the help of the Colonel and Major, I can’t but think I shall be able to meet you the 26th of this month. As I want to see all. Perhaps you may be able to go home with me. We will see when I get there. But I will keep the dark side out. If I don’t get my leave of absence, I will write you in time so that we shall not be cheated out of seeing each other anyway.

I am so sorry that I missed seeing Uncle Hiram. I should have enjoyed a visit from him right well and should have tried hard to have kept him a short time. We now have about twelve thousand men here. Have many sick and many died. I have not lost a man yet. Either by sickness or battle. But I have some sick in my room. I doctor them and take care of them and hire one man to help me. I am boarding at the Arcade House. It is close to the fairground or as we call it, Camp Tyler. Now dear cousin, do please write often to one that often thinks of you.

I will write again soon.

G. H. Farrar
Company G
115th Regiment, New York Volunteers

Remember me to your parents when you write but do not let them know I think of going there. Good night. Goodbye.

G. H. Farrar