21st New York Infantry

Item LTR-9299

Description

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


Washington

July 26th 1861

Mr. Ayer,

Dear Sir,

I have taken this opportunity to write to you again how things are going on now. I am in rather better [health] now than I was the last time I wrote to you. And I would be very happy to have these few lines find you all well and enjoying yourselves. We are now encamped in Fort Reunion and are learning to handle big guns as well as small ones. This fort is about 1 mile from the long bridge and in a situation so that we have a fair view of Washington and the river. But it is not in the healthiest spot in the world though but never mind. We have some less than a month yet to serve and then it is thought that this regiment will break up and be mustered into other Regiments. On account of the officers’ inability to make it into the field to fight a battle. I have my mind made up that if this does happen after recruiting, my health that if it does not yet consecrate before then, I will hunt up the regiment that Ira is in and join that.

We hear of battles every now and then our men or rather the federals have possession of Fairfax Court House and it is reported that Manassas Junction [also]. But we have not got a correct amount yet. But it is certain they have something of a brush for their artillery was plainly hear by us. War matters look stern, not the looks of things in general is that the old general is agoing to make a sweep of Virginia. It was quite pleasing to hear the impressions that our men made when they saw the five regiments pass by for Fairfax. Their impressions were given plaintively because they could not go along but for all that they cheered them heartily as they passed wishing them success, which we did not wait long to hear the rebels left pretty much all their camping accessories behind them. Even their bread and milk that they had ready for their breakfast. And quite a number of woolery and watches. I heard this morning of one of the Fire Zouaves being taken by the rebels and brought before Beauregard where he made comical maneuvers to which he was ordered to jail. But when they attempted to take him off, he floored the corporal and 8 men, saying that would spoil, if he did not have a brush turned on his heel and made off. But was headed off by an officer who with a drawn sword. He was then taken off to jail. Of which he made a bonfire off that night. Beauregard laughing heartily at his antics there was one of our chaps drummed out of camp yesterday. I wish you would let me know in your next what the number of the regiment that Ira is in and the letter of his company. And let me know how many letters you have received from me. For I have written two besides this since I have seen him. Give my best to your family.

From your humble servant,

Ansel W. Dumphrey