4th New Hampshire Infantry

Item LTR-8323

Description

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


Washington, D.C.
October 5th 1861

Brother Wilbur,

How are you and all the rest of the folks. All well and I hope we are all smart. All of us boys

I wrote to Julia last Tuesday and I expect an answer from her tonight. It is very hot here. We can hear the roar of the Rebel’s cannon. It is fun to see the different regiments that are in sight of us. We went to see the New Hampshire 3rd the other day. They have left Annapolis and we expect to leave next week but whether we shall or not is not certain.

How are you getting along with the work. I want you to see that my family do not suffer for the want of anything. We did not get our back pay before we left Manchester and have not got it yet. They do not do as they said they would by us. There is one in our regiment that disobeyed orders and was saucy to the officers and today he was to wear a strait jacket. But we hill boys have not had a cross word from one of our officers.

But is is so hot that I can’t write very well. I have to write on my knee, laying on my back. You must overlook all mistakes, bad spelling and all. Give my respects to all the folks, M.J.M’s folks and all. I shall write to M.J.M. at some time if nothing happens. Please write soon.

Direct to M. E. Southworth, Washington, D.C., 4th NH Regiment Volunteers, Company H.

Love to all from your brother,
M.E. Southworth