11th Iowa Infantry

Item LTR-8764

Description

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


Camp 11 Iowa
Lake Providence

April 5, 1863

Friend R. T. Hollister

Yours of the 26th was received a few days ago. Also, one from Esther. But as I am not in a writing humor, I shall make a poor out at answering it. And while I was jumping a day or so ago, I displaced my thumb and it is now as large as two could be. And it is almost impossible for me to hold the pen and use it. Not for the mere name of the thing, I guess, I should not write at all. For there is no news of interest to write.

Mr. Compton has not arrived yet. But we are still looking for him by every boat and hope to see him at any moment. I have not received the number of my box as yet. I understand that they have to be numbered. The health of the army is good and since I have been in the army, I have never seen it better in Crocker’s Iowa Brigade. The canal is done.

But I must close. You will see by the date of this that it is Sunday. But the better the day, the better the deed. My regards to all. Write soon and often and oblige.

Truly Yours,

Hiram C. Hanna