3rd Maryland Infantry

Item LTR-8321

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.
Headquarters Pioneer Corps
1st Brigade, 1st Division, 12th Army Corps
Camp near Kelly’s Ford, Va.
August 29th 1863

Dear Uncle,

After my very best respects to you and all your family, I would just say that I am well and hearty and do hope those few lines may find you all the same. I received a letter from Mother this evening. They were all well and hearty and Mother told me where to write to you. I also had a letter from my family. They were all well and hearty. My family consists of my wife and two children, both girls, very fine and hearty looking children as you would wish to see. They are at her father’s in Indiana County, Pa., since the rebels chased both of us from home in Martinsburg, Va. But do hope it won’t be long till the rebellion will be over and then we can go home again.

Well, we are laying along the Rappahannock, recruiting and drilling the drafted men. I could give you a full history of his army since the commencement of this war but I suppose you get that through the papers. I have been in 9 battles and still are safe. I enlisted a private and a perfect stranger to all in the regiment to which I belong and now I am a 1st lieutenant, commanding Pioneer Corps and attached to General Knipe’s staff and stay at Brigade Headquarters and have a good show for a captaincy before long. I have been in the service since June 18th 1861. My time is out next June.

Well, Uncle, I can’t say that I have anything more that would interest you. Give my love to all your family and tell Aunt I would love to see her. So, sighing, I shall close. Write soon and oblige yours truly.

I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,
David J. Weaver, 1st Lt., commanding Pioneer Corps
Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 12th Army Corps
Washington, D. C.

Direct as above.