5th & 7th New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-9060

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 5 pages, written in period ink.


Quartermasters Office
5th Battalion New Jersey Volunteers

September 22nd 1864

My Dear Wife,

Yours of Saturday evening and Sunday came this morning as I was most certain it would. I wrote to. Louisa and Anna yesterday. I have not heard from Alfred yet and would like to know where he is. You think he may know of me wanting chevrons? I wrote to him about them and he may have received my letter before he left Trenton. I have time enough now to write to others without neglecting you. I think of writing to Cousin Elizabeth Powers soon. I received a great many letters from her when I was out before. Indeed, I corresponded as regularly with her as with Alfred. I want her to send some pictures for your album. Her father, mother, brother and her own.

I told Anna and Lou that I have heard of their invitations for company Christmas and how glad I will be, etc.. you must decide for yourself whether you will go without me or not and not depend on my coming home.

I am surprised to hear that Freeman has reenlisted. The last time I saw him he said nothing would tempt him to reenlist. He like most all the old soldiers who get home. When I was discharged, I thought Uncle Sam could never get me back again. But here I am. I hope he will come somewhere near me. If I remain here, I could do considerable for him here. I have had considerable reading matter of different kinds lately, Waverly Magazines, Harper, the daily papers, “Temptation – a novel”, Godey, Mrs. Lirriper’s Lodgings, etc..

It looks like rain tonight. We had quite a shower last night. I must forget to tell you about our fences. We do not look at all heathenish here, at least our fences and gardens do not, if we do. The Quartermasters of the Brigade are all here and their tents are on a line. Along in front of our tents we have a neat fence or railings and I think it looks rich. The teamsters too have been at work and the park of wagons in fenced in. now, we only had white washing, to be classed with very respectable people. I must close for tonight. Good night.

23rd.

I forgot to mention that the papers containing some pens (3 of 3) came yesterday. I shall look for the chevrons soon for Mr. Lewis could certainly get them in New York. I am not much of a tailor and I am so particular. I do wish I had a little sewing machine about 5 feet high, with black hair, etc., to sew them on for me. Perhaps I can do it good enough. I have directed two letters to Stephensburg for you. I had no stamps and had to send them as soldier letters.

I am so glad to hear that Father and Mother are getting along nicely together. I should like to visit them now. I think you have heard me say I had no desire to go to Phoenixville again. That was when Mother was with us the summer before last. You know the reason of it. Now, I should like to go for I have many warms friends there. The family named Waitwright (you have heard me speak of them) are among the number and I think a great deal of Mr. Waitwright. I feel more at home there and it has appeared to me as though I was more welcome there than anywhere, except if to be among my own relations. And I do not think they were any more pleased to see me. I have had one letter from Mr. Waitwright (and have written one) since I came in this regiment. I do not know whether I told you or not, but there is a strong invitation for us to visit there the very first opportunity and I know you will enjoy a day’s visiting there.

I have cut a pattern for a bade and will send it in this. You can make it when you have time. The club in the center should be of blue. I think worked on with blue it would look nicely. If it will be much trouble to work the club on, you may send it without that. A square patch of white cotton flannel is good as anything. I want a hat too. But I thought off sending the money to Alfred to get it. I think you cannot know much about buying hats, no more than I would of buying a bonnet. Perhaps he would not suit me. But I do not know where he is now. So I do not know what to do.

I must close.

Your affectionate husband,

Henry Powers

Carrie D. Powers