7th Maryland Infantry - Killed at Petersburg

Item LTR-9290

Description

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


January 29th 1864

Columbian Hospital
Washington, DC

Friend James,

I now take the opportunity to inform you that I arrived here safe on last Tuesday night, a week ago about twelve o’clock at night. James, I can hardly tell you when I will be sent to my regiment. They examined me directly when I came back from home. They did not say what they are agoing to do with but I expect to be sent to my regiment as soon as they send another squad away. But as far as I can hear they have orders not to send any away until the first of March. So that is a good time to stay here and as far as I can hear, they have sent a petition to regiment for my discharge. That is if the officers of the regiment signs it. Why then I will get my discharge. I heard through a letter, that I got from home, they have all signed it. But the Captain if he signs it yet why I will get to. But I don’t think I will get it. But it may be my luck in getting it. I will not refuse it if they give it to me.

Well, I think that is enough upon that subject. James, I believe there has been another fight down in Tennessee again. Our men give the rebels hell again. They were agoing to make a raid but I think that it played out well since they fought down there. James, I don’t think this war can last very long anymore. For they are played out. They are deserting every place. We get a paper here every morning and there is not a paper passes through our hands that there is not a log of rebel desertions some places. They give themselves up by the regiments. They have to guard a good many of their men to keep them from deserting. James, I believe I have given you all the news of any importance.

James, I would have wrote to you sooner but I had to write to them at home first. Or else it would not be right. So, you must excuse me for not writing sooner. Excuse bad writing and mistakes as I am in a hurry to go to the meeting over in the next tent opposite of ours.

So no more for the present. But don’t forget and answer as soon as you get this letter. So, I will close by remaining,

Your friend as ever,

David Stephey

Direct to Columbian Hospital
Washington, DC