140th Pennsylvania Infantry - Twice Wounded at Gettysburg

Item LTR-8240

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period pencil.


September the 14th 1862

Miss Mary Crispin

I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well at present and I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same Blessing. We are at present near Parkton Station about 30 miles from Baltimore. Last evening about eight o’clock, report came to camp for us to load every gun in camp. Our living has been very short. It has been time of coffee and two hard crackers. Too hard that I had to take them on to pound them up, then put them in my coffee. And yesterday, James Hughes, [also wounded at Gettysburg, July 2nd] and me went about two miles and a half for our breakfast. But when we got it, it was a first rate one. They killed chickens and made a big fuss on us and would charge us but twenty cents. Nothing more at present.

Respectfully yours,

Silas M. Crispin

I want you to write as soon as you can and let me know how you are getting along. Direct your letters to Parkton Station, Baltimore County, Maryland in care of Captain Porter, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Silas M. Crispin

You must forgive me for bad writing and spelling for I have but a very few minutes for to write this and I wrote this on my knee.