1st New York Mounted Rifles

Item LTR-9414

Description

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


Suffolk, VA
September 22nd 1862

Friend Robert,

I received a letter from Chas last night. He says you have not heard from me in some time. I am surprised at that for I wrote to him twice and our folks once and not received any answer. There is a great mismanagement in the mail. All the boys complain about their letters. We have been all in a hub bub for the last week expecting to be attacked. Been up in line of battle day and night. We have had three turns with the rebels lately without a loss. We took at one time 115 prisoners there but was 80 of us when we attacked them. But we dashed on them and surrounded them. In an instant captured the whole company without a struggle. They belonged to the 8th N.C. Regiment, Company G. We were out on a scout the other day and a whole company fired at us. The bullets rattled around head quite sharp but nobody was hurt. I am well and unhurt but there is a great many sick. George Gillett is very sick in the General Hospital at Fort Monroe. Part of our division went to Washington with General Mansfield. I regret to hear of his death. I guess McClellan has whipped the secesh badly in the late battles. Tell mother and all the folks to write. It is impossible for me to write much but if anything special happens I will write at once. We are preparing for a fight every day.

Robert, I want you to send me five dollars by letter as soon as you get this and I will return it pay day. I am in great need. I have not got a cent. Please show this to our folks and tell them to keep cool and not fret.

Yours Truly,

F. Penney

Direct Regiment
1st New York Mounted Rifles
Troop C
Suffolk, VA
Care of Colonel C. C. Dodge