126th Pennsylvania Infantry - Killed at Chancellorsville

Item LTR-8438

Description

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


In Camp near Falmouth,
March 16th [1863]

My Dear Ma,

Your kind letter was received last evening and now I hasten to reply. I was extremely glad to hear from you. I had a letter from Bettie not long since.

I was glad to hear you had received the Agriculturist. I think it is a grand paper and will tell you all about it when I get home. The reason you got three, is that I subscribed for it the last of last month and as it is a monthly paper. He would of course send you back numbers till the first of the year. After this, you will only get one a month. The seeds you will get as they were sent for some time since.

I will send you a picture of our General (Tyler). And also one of some person else, who I know you will be glad to see. Though it is a very poor picture. But the best the Army will afford. It was the first time I had a chance to get it taken. And as I knew you wanted one, I thought I would send it to you. I intend getting some photographs taken when I get to Harrisburg.

I was much surprised at John Jamison’s death. Who would have thought it. I am compelled to cut this letter short. As I was on guard this morning and have only a half hour to write it. So, you have sent the box. We have not got it yet. But I suppose will soon. I will write you soon again. And also as soon as the box is received.

You must give Mrs. Kelly my sincere thanks for her kindness and tell her that if Mr. Reb does not take a fancy to my scalp, I will try and repay her for her kindness. But should he deprive me of that pleasure, I hope she will be recompensed by the rewarder of Heaven.

I hope you will give all my warm friends my best respect and wait patiently a little longer and I think you will see your boys.

I will add a few lines to dear cousin for her kindness. You must remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly. And tell him I know what it is to be shot at and missed.

Write soon. I will write you soon again.

Your affectionate son,

N. C.

Dear Cousin,

You are very kind indeed to think of the comforts of your soldier boys. By sending the soldiers comfort to cheer him on his way. We are still at our old camp and expect to remain here some time yet. As the mud is too great to move. We are ordered out often to strengthen the pickets against rebel raids. I must stop as the mail will soon leave.

Please accept my thanks.

Your affectionate,

N. C. Trout