98th New York Infantry - Killed at Chiffon's Farm

Item LTR-9106

Description

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


Chesapeake General Hospital, VA

May 31st 1864

Friend Ira,

I now seat myself to pen you a few lines in answer to your letter that I received some time ago. I am almost ashamed to write as I have waited so long, but you must excuse me this time and I will do better hereafter. I expect you will think strangely to see my letter headed Hospital, but I ain’t quite a damn fool yet when there is such damned hard fighting going on. Any sensible man would get out of the way. I came away from my Regiment over two weeks ago sick with the intermitting fever and have been down the mouth like hell, but am nearly alright. Again my Regiment was in a fight before I left them, but wasn’t in the fight with them as I was sick at the time. My Regiment lost over 100 men killed and wounded. So I guess it was lucky that I wasn’t there for I might have been one of the number. Certain luck has been on my side so far, but there is time enough for me to get a pill yet. Well Ira, how do you get along this summer? I hope alright. And how does them gals get along up there? Do you make them fly to their holes now and then? If so alright. Keep cool a short time and I will be there to help you out a little. Well I have to tell you where I am. I am about three miles from Fortress Monroe to a place called Chesapeake. There is lots of hospitals here and they are filled up with sick and wounded. It is a damned hard old sight to go through and see the wounded and hear them grunt and groan, but it is all in war time. Ira, I want you to write to me and let me know how the boys gets along in Company D, 111th Regiment for I haven’t heard from them in a long time. Now don’t delay writing and I will answer as soon as I get your letter. I shall go back to my Regiment soon, so you can direct:
Company F, 98th Regiment NYSV
Fortress Monroe
Old Point, VA

My best respects to all and a good share for yourself. I close hoping to hear from you soon. Consider this from your friend and well wished.

W. Pulver