142nd New York Infantry

Item LTR-9410

Description

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


Camp 142 Regiment N. Y. V.
March 22, 1863

Dear Lizzy,

My letter tonight will be short for it is late. It is half past nine o’clock. The Captain just came to camp tonight. He has just got relieved from court and there were a number in so I could not write before. But I have not much news to write. Writing so often, about all we have to say is we are well and that is a great deal. My health is still very good but the regiment has lost quite a number this month. Our company has lost three in about a week. But all the rest that was sick is getting better. I think we have got over the worst of it and those that are now sick will mostly recover. I am sorry you have had such a hard time with your face. I hope it is better and I hope you are all well. The box will probably get here this week if it was not sent to Alexandria. If it was it will have to come back to Georgetown; that is a bout four miles from our camp. I will find out about it in a day or two. It will be all right. Perhaps you heard we had moved before it was sent if so it would be sent to Washington. I have not had wet feet yet for I got my old boots fixed some so they last well and I get along very well as to the rest of the things and you need not be afraid. I will take good care of myself and I hope and trust that God will watch over me and protect me from all harm until I can return home to my dear wife and children. I wrote to Robert not long since and to Rutherford. I wrote to him about Willy. I think we will be paid in two weeks or so. I think we will get four months pay then. I will not try to write much more tonight for I will write in a few days again. Today was warm and quite spring like but we have not had much warm weather yet. It has been quite cold the most of the time but I think the coldest is all over for this winter. Give my love to grandpa and grandma and all the rest of the folks.

And kiss my dear little Frankey for his pa and my dear Ella and Willy I send much love to both of you and will write as soon as I have time. And you dear Lizzy I send you very much love and hope the time will soon come when I can be with you once more.

Good night all

Your husband
William