38th New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-8758

Description

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


Fort Powhattan, Virginia

Friday, February 17th 1865

Dear Friend,

It is with pleasure that I now take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I am well at present and hope these few lines may reach you and find you enjoying the same good health. As it was storming very hard today, I thought I would sit down and write you a few lines. Well, I have got down in Old Virginia for a soldier at last and like it well. But would rather be in Jersey. We are encamped in Fort Powhattan on the west side of the James River about twenty miles from City Point. We have good quarters. But it is a very lonesome place. We can’t see nothing but boats. And once in a while a Johnny comes in here and gives himself up. There is quite an excitement in camp on account of the late victory by Sherman in Georgia. It is reported that he has captured Savannah with six thousand rebel prisoners and that Petersburg was evacuated. But I am afraid that they are false reports.

I had a letter from Martha Mary a few days ago. She was well. Please, you must excuse this writing for I have got a very sore arm and there is about twenty in our house which is only eight feet one way and ten the other. I have to get in the spare bed to write this. And they have spilled my ink twice. Our house is built of logs about six feet high. The roof is made of canvas. They all have fireplaces in them. Our beds is the soft side of a pine plank and a knapsack for a pillow. But never mind we have only got seven months more to stay. And if they get Charley again, they will know it. Little did I think the last time I was in Farmingdale, that I would spend my winter in Virginia. But if I hadn’t come, perhaps I would had to. For I heard that there was another draft in Jersey now. Well, I guess that I will close for there is no news that would interest you. Give my love to all inquiring friends and keep a share for yourself, if it is expected.

From your true friend,

Charles Maulsbury

P.S. Write soon. If this is acceptable, for I would be glad to hear from you. A letter always comes very acceptable to a soldier.

Address to:

Charles Maulsbury
Company D
38th New Jersey Volunteers
Fort Powhattan, Virginia
In care of Captain J. D. Wilson

Goodbye.