26th Michigan Infantry - Twice Wounded

Item LTR-8639

Description

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


Camp Near Warrenton, Virginia

November 7th 1863

Dear Uncle,

I received a letter from you last night and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you are all well. I am well and hearty. We are down in Old Virginia again. It was tough but we had to come. I am well enough satisfied now we are here. But I hated to come in the first place as long as I keep well. I will get along. It is not the fear of being killed that makes me hate soldiering but the time much of life here. I set humped up by a log heat trying to write. I cannot write but a line or two before I have to stop and warm my fingers. But I am in hopes we will not have to stand it much longer. They are giving the rebs a sweep home, down to Charleston. And they have had another hard riot in Richmond. There were women shot. What people are left around here are pretty hard up and the soldiers are taking what little they can find. I have been in the service fifteen months and have not been punished or put on extra. But the other day I was arrested with fifteen others for killing a rebel’s cow. We was taken over there to settle it with him and he asked sixty dollars for her. We told the officers that we hated to pay a reb that amount of money for 4 cows. We told them that we had rather stand a court martial. So, to get along without any more trouble, the officers got him to take the oath of allegiance. We told him we would pay him thirty dollars. He concluded to take thirty-five. So we paid him. And that night we stole two wagon loads of tobacco so he did not make much. For tobacco is worth two dollars a pound. I sold forty pounds for mine for seventy-five cents per pound. It is what they call Virginia twist. It is better than none.

Our officers told us to be careful and not be catched at it. They were glad we got it for they were out. If we kill another beef, we will be careful and not get catched at it again. Our Colonel says he is sorry that his men is a little sharper. He would not arrest one of us if he should catch us at it. I do not know if it is right but if the regiment could have their own way, there would not be much left for they have full long fingers. Now I want you should be sure to write often.

Direct to Washington, DC.

A. A. Shaver


Dear Cousin,

We are down in Dixie sure enough or you would think so if you was. Howard, I have got to go on picket tonight so good night.

A. A. Shaver

We belong to the First Division, First Brigade and Second Corps.