5th Maine Infantry

Item LTR-8243

Description

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


Camp Franklin

October 25, 1861

Dear Wife,

I received your very kind letter of October 20 and was right glad to hear that you received your money safely. That ten dollar bill, you need not be afraid to keep it. It has just been issued from the new United States Bank. They are as good as gold anywhere in the Old Union. But worthless in the Confederate States. And that is why the government issued them. Because when the rebels catch one of our men, they strip him of his clothing and wear it themselves. And if they find any gold or silver about them, they take it and use it and very glad to get it. For the bills that they have in the Confederate States are not good anywhere else. But in their own States there are a plenty of the rebels’ families here in Alexandria and all over the State of Virginia and their husbands and sons are in the Southern Army and their wives and sons get their living by selling apples and cakes to the Union men. As their bills are no good here. So they stand rather a poor chance to live through the winter. You may have some slight idea of the horrors of war but they are feeble unless you could see it with your own eyes. The march of an army can plainly be seen far and wide by the burning of the building and destruction of property in every form. We expect to advance every day upon the enemy and as the weather is growing colder, it operates favorably with our men. And for once, the hospital is clear of sick and lame. Woodbury Mason is well. He showed me his mother’s picture. It looks natural as life. Major Sammon lives at 25 Pearl Street. If you want to send anything to me, you can see Lunt. He will see the Major for you and if you should send anything to me, I should like to have two pairs of my thick socks. Stevens does not tent with me now. He is the cook tent acting as commissary.

I am glad to hear that you spend money in so good manner. Your flour you got quite cheap and it will last you all winter. So you won’t have to be buying in cold weather. Don’t let your best friend have much money. I send it to you, for it is none of their business. And I don’t want them to know anything about it. I shall write to you and Father soon. I expect a letter from Father and Isaac soon. My health is quite good now. But I am very weak. But grow strong every day. I hope, little wife, this will find you enjoying good.

From your husband.

J. W. Eastman