2nd New Hampshire Infantry

Item LTR-9225

Description

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


Camp near Harrison’s Landing, VA
July 14, 1862

Dear Friend Webber,

It’s a long. Time since I’ve written you and I presume you feel like scolding me some, but if you remember right I think you will remember that you owe me a letter. But we’ll make that all right in the spring.

Since I wrote you we have seen some pretty ruff times but I suppose you have read all about them so I will not give the particulars but will just mention that we have been in four fights (battles) and two skirmishes and I have come out all safe, never having received any damage at all. Yet I’ve often wished that I might get hit (slightly) so that I might have the scar to show after the war is over. I don’t know but you will think it a strange wish, but I felt just so. I have got so used to bullets now that I don’t dread them at all. Yet I am very sure that I don’t want to see any more fighting. But if it must come, I am ready. I had some “Glorious” good shots on the25th June in the “affair” as little Mac calls it, and Johnny Rebel had some good cracks at me but didn’t hit his mark and I don’t expect I hit mine – but “I tried.”

Do you want a job? Of course you do – that is, if it’s in your line. Well, I have a job for you that will not come far out of your line of business. I want you to get me a “Commission” in one of the four new regiments that New Hampshire is to raise. That’s just the work I want you to do for me. For reference as to my “soger” qualities, inquire of Captain E. W. Farr, Company G, 2nd New Hampshire Volunteers, Washington, DC. As to my character (What you do not know), Antrim people can tell you. I would in particular refer you to Harvey Stacy. The Honorable Lemuel N. Pattee is the man that I should apply to if I was there and I think you will do well to get him to assist you. If you will get me the place, I will pay you “big” – just all you ask and more if you like. I am bound to stay in the army till the war is closed, but if I can get a better place than I now have, of course I won’t refuse to take it. But I would rather be a private then a “non-commish.”

Please write me immediately and let me know if you will undertake the job and then of your success if you do undertake it and should you not succeed, I will pay all necessary expenses. One thing in particular, keep it as still as possible.

Colonel Marston is at Washington and report says he is to gather with other officers trying to get this Brigade up there to do provost duty in place of General Bayard’s Brigade but this remains to be seen. Saw Sam Roe a few days ago – was well and tough and like all the rest of us very anxious to have the war close. I am well and as far as I have been since I’ve been in the army. I am detailed as carpenter. Work 8 hours a day and expected to get extra pay.

Yours as ever,
S. C. Buck