4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery - Embalming

Item LTR-8483

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Washington, DC
October 30th 1864

Dear Wife,

Another Sabbath morning has arrived and a beautiful morning it is. Though rather cold. Our company has just gone over about a mile to a Brigade Inspection. They won’t probably get home before 2 or 3 p.m.. I have just been up to Fort Strong Hospital to see Mr. Jenness. I found him very comfortably situated and I think is rather better off too. Death has commenced its work in our ranks. One of our Company F died this a.m. between 12 and 1 o’clock. He was William Libby and had been sick but a little more than a week. His father lives on Essex Street and his wife in Wood End somewhere. There were two of our boys sat up with him last night. He had his senses till the time he died. Henry F. Segar was one of the boys who watched with him. This is one of the natural consequences of war. A change of climate and the exposures the men are subject to is pretty certain to bring death among the ranks. There another went from Fort Haggerty to the hospital day before yesterday. I think will never see home again. But we have no care of our lives. Those of us who are well now may be among the first to be brought to the grave. But this is but a small thing for a man to fall if he is in the path of duty. It makes but little difference whether closes up his life in Virginia or in Massachusetts – at home or abroad – if he is at his post. I feel strong both in body and in mind and I cannot make it appear to me but what I shall again return to the bosom of my family. But if it should be the will of Him who doeth all things well and just, I trust I should be resigned and could heartily say, “Thy will, Father, not mine be done.”

Charles Jackson has sent home for a box and he will not have enough to fill it. And I guess you had better see his wife and send out my coat and vest and shirts if you have them done. As these have shrunk up so that they are good for nothing – only for undershirts. And if you could send my overcoat, I should like it. It is rather cool here nights and mornings. Perhaps you had better send what you can in his box and take the rest with you, if you should come out. I would not take any extra baggage as it would come cheaper by Express.

There are a great many sick in Captain Proctor’s company. I saw his Quartermaster Sergeant in the hospital this morning. He looks rather slim.

I am sorry that little Emma is not any better. You had better attend to her and see what is the matter with her. I hope and trust that we shall all be spared to meet again. It does not seem as though you were 500 miles from me. I received some papers from you. I have read the Congregationalist and find on the last page two pieces which are very good and well worth reading. One is headed, “Where is the Trouble” and the other “Baby’s Hood.” I shall send you a Washington paper this morning and will send the Congregationalist with it for fear you have not read it. Read these pieces to the children. A letter on the first page from Reverend A. H. Quint is one of the best letters I have seen.

It is now nearly 12 M. I shall go to the church this p.m.. I will leave the rest of the page to fill after returning home.

It is now about 6 p.m.. I have been to church and returned but as it happened, there was not meeting as the minister had gone to attend a funeral. So I walked upon Georgetown Heights. Here are the water works which supply the whole district. And close by these works is Major General Halleck’s residence, which is a very handsome place. I thought I would go to the church anyhow. So I went to Washington but did not find a church in season. Captain has been to the city and had William Libbey’s body carried down to be embalmed and sent to Lynn. It will ask about $40 for embalming and transportation.

I sit here by the table all alone and have a fire. And am as comfortable as you please. I should like it very well if you only sat on the other side. Wouldn’t mind if you sat on the same side. I should like to talk away an hour or two tonight.

Kiss all the little ones and let me hear from you.

From your loving husband,

J. W. Piper