1st Ohio Infantry

Item LTR-8819

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


Scottsboro, Alabama

March 6th 1864

J. M. C.

Dear Sir,

I now sit down to write you a few lines. I have not gotten a letter from you for some time. And I though you would like to get a letter from a soldier boy. I have been in another engagement since I wrote to you but there was none of us hurt. Monroe, I haven’t drawn pay for 4 months. But I think we will before long. Your school will soon be out I suppose and I want to know if you are going to farm your father’s place this year. I heard that John had gone in the army and I did not know whether it was so or not.

Monroe, if you ever take a notion to go in the service, go in to the artillery for it is the best branch in the service. And the sergeants for you have no load to carry and then you can ride the most on the time and you stand off so far to fight. I got a letter from Frank Carters the other day and he wanted me to send him money to pay the burial expenses on my sister and I don’t think I can afford to pay it. I think that he ought to pay that himself. For I need all my money and more too if I could get it. I suppose father is well. I got a letter form Liza Kelley and she said he looked worse than she ever seen him. She thought he would not live long. Do you think he has got enough to live on for a while yet. If not, you must let me know and I will help him.

I wrote to Lorin the other day and I haven’t got an answer yet. But I think I will soon. I hope so anyway. Monroe, I wish you would send me some stamps if you please. I must close. Write soon.

Yours truly,
William C. Cummer