12th Vermont Infantry

Item LTR-8574

Description

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


Wolfe Run Shoals, VA
April 22nd 1863

Friend William,

I take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines in answer to your kind letter. I was very glad to hear from you and to hear that you were again in old Vermont, where I hope to be in a few weeks if nothing happens. We are at the same place we have been for the last three months. We received orders the 12th to be ready to take the field the next morning with seven days rations and sixty rounds of ammunition, but we have not gone yet. And I don’t know when we shall. I hope not at all. I am not even anxious to take the field but if we have yet to do it I am ready anytime. But enough of this.

How is everything in Scadding this spring? About as usual I suppose. How is Jim and old Nat? And are they talking again? Is it as they used to? And how do they like the new change in the post office?

Yesterday we had a new General take command of this Brigade. And our Colonel is back again with his Regiment. And now we will have to take it in the line of drill and we need it too. I don’t care how much we have to drill. For I am anxious to learn all I can. Our General’s name is Stannard. He is Vermont man. Write as soon as you get this and write all the news and how all the young folks are a getting along. You know that I am entertained in all these things. How are the Parish girls? I suppose that you know who is going to teach our school this summer. And write all the news and how you are getting along. I heard one is sick in the hospital with the bilious fever but is some better today. And I think he will come out all right in a short time if nothing new gets hold of him. But I will draw to a close for this time, for fear of wearing your patience this time. Please excuse all mistakes and poor writing, for I have been sick for the last week or so and my hand trembles badly. Don’t let anyone see this will you? Write soon and oblige your friend,

Edwin

Lieutenant E. S. Chadwick
Company F, 12th Regiment Vermont Infantry
Washington, DC

E. C. Buck was worried for the above.