25th Maine Infantry

Item LTR-8640

Description

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


Chantilly, VA

March 30th 1863

My Dear Sister,

I received your letter in good time, but was too lazy to answer it besides not having much to write. I am all right so far as my health is concerned and my spirits too (but not ardent spirits). For where we went on picket the lieutenant of the guard drank up all the whiskey rations that was sent out for 14 men. Rather steep but none the less true. So I suppose you see the chinamen didn’t get much that time. We were paid off yesterday. Four month’s pay $53.00. I think I will send you $50 to keep until further orders. I may want to use it before I get home and may not if you want it to get married on you can have it. For I should want you to have good furniture so when I come to see you I could lie on a good sofa and take comfort. Today is Fast Day and we are keeping it by playing Euchre and writing letters. It is muster and monthly inspection today but some of the companies are not paid off. So it is put off until afternoon. I am in hopes that it will rain. So we shall get off all day, for every day counts now and every inspection keeps us out of a drill.

Day before yesterday, our brigade was reviewed and inspected by General Abercrombie. He said the 25th and 27th were the best volunteer regiments he had ever reviewed and was sorry that our time was so near out. I am sorry that the regiment can’t sympathize with him but such is the melancholy fact. Our noble corporal is all right. Busy just about this time writing a letter but said he was not writing home. He got one from Gus two days ago. I had one last night from my cousin Daniel Patrick. He is doing tip top and I am glad to hear of it. For he is a fine young man. I shall write him today and I expect to send it by Mr. L. Marston, who expects to go home on a furlough tomorrow to see his wife, who is sick. I had a letter from Russ when I got yours. He told me to give his love to Eunice. Every time I wrote he was well and in good spirits. He had been in the fight at Franklin, Tennessee, came out safe. He was well and in command of the company. I hope he will get a commission. I must make this letter small and if I don’t send the money in it, I will say so. If I do and you get this, I want it answered immediately. If it is not more than three lines. The number of the bill is 22239.

Yours in a hurry, J. Chinaman.

Remember me to all inquiring friends and everybody else. Give my love to Gus. Tell him to keep his nose clean and I will give him 4 cents when I get home.

We go on picket tonight. I believe Jim and I were on the far post. I guess I shall sell my watch and take the money to get married.

Yours,
Charles S. Sweetser