150th New York Infantry

Item LTR-8882

Description

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


Washington Hall Hospital
Alexandria, Virginia

September 24th [1863]

Dear Parents,

Thinking you would like to hear how your son Miles was getting along. I thought I would write a few words and let you know how I was flourishing. Well, I am feeling first rate. This morning the Doctor told me I could put my clothes on and stir around a little outdoors. My diarrhea is entirely checked. I have first rate care, good nurses (men), a good doctor, a good bed and a warm room. We are living on what they call low diet. For breakfast, a large cup of tea and bread and butter. For dinner, chicken soup with a leg of chicken, bread and butter, and either rice or bread pudding. Yesterday noon, they give us rice pudding, bread pudding, bread and butter and a small piece of boiled beef. Supper same as breakfast as you see we don’t starve. This morning I received three letters and a paper. Two letters and paper from Amenia and one letter from the regiment. The boys are going to see some hard fighting I am afraid (the letter was from Jim Varrar). They are this side of the Rapidan River and the rebs on the other side with guns planted all along the river for miles. The night before Jim sent me the letter. They were ordered to issue 8 days rations. Three in the haversack and 5 in the knapsack. So there is going to be something done and no mistake they think they are going to cross the Rapidan soon and no doubt they are. And it will be a tough time. I think crossing under the fire of the rebs cannon. Time will tell. I live in hopes of its telling good for us. All of the boys that came to the hospital with me are getting along finely. Isaac Palmer was in here yesterday and day before. He is getting quite smart. I will stop now for dinner, as they have just brought it up to us. I have just got through with my dinner of soup made of rice, onions, etc. and bread and butter. They are putting us on little heavier diet.

I have been writing a letter to Amenia. I wrote to Will and Sue the other day. I have also sent to a shoemaker in Amenia for a pair of boots as I can get a better pair of them and cheaper than I can down here. And as Uncle Sam only furnishes shoes, I thought I better have a good pair of boots for the winter. He is to make them as soon as possible and then I am to send for them when I choose. I may send for them before I leave here. If not, I think I shall have them sent to our Sutler to Washington. As he goes there in two weeks. Henry Grant is going to send them in a box.

The hotel where Colonel Ellsworth was killed is only a few doors below here. There are sights of fruit in the streets. Splendid peaches, apples, watermelons, muskmelons, etc.. It is very cheap. I have been sharpening my pencil and laid my knife down open and I was fast thinking to write and cast my eye toward my knife as it lay on the rack with the edge up. It reminded me of something Mother told me once about someone telling her whenever she saw a knife laying that way to always think of her and I always think of it when I see one.

So they have just come in for the letters. I will have to close so goodbye. Give my love to all accept a large part for yourself.

Your affectionate son,

Miles K. Lewis
Washington Hall Hospital
Alexandria, Virginia

Band, 150th New York Volunteers