132nd New York Infantry

Item LTR-9601

Description

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


Bachelor’s Creek,
Out Post Picket
New Berne, NC

October 7th 1863

Dear Wife,

I received yours today and was glad to hear that you are well, as it found me the same. You wanted to know why I did not write. I have wrote to you as soon as Lewis got back. I have sent forty dollars to you by Adams Express. You wait until you receive the money before you write. I think it is strange that either William or Sarah one do not write. It is not that I care anything about it. You say something about me forgetting you and them, Little Mary and Sarah. I am one of the last ones I should forget. When you get yours, rig yourself out first rate for the winter. I have had one grand shake of the fever and ague but I think I will get over it. Give my best respects to all my inquiring friends. The war I think is no nearer the end than it was when it began. Tell William to go down and pay Nick Wilson the twelve shillings I owe him and that I am much obliged to him and give my respects to him and wife, and Sam Skinner and John Skinner. As I have no news to write I will close by saying goodbye.

From your affectionate husband,

William Freeland

The reason we wrote with [red], somebody made themselves too fresh with our black ink bottle. It is very cold on picket nights. It looks to me the way the democrats are split up. They are going to get beat. Some folks think that we are all republicans out here. They are mistaken. If we had a vote, every man would vote democrat. We have not got a single negro in the regiment. Neither the officers nor the men would not have them around them. And if I ever get back, I will be the rustiest old looking fellow you ever saw and will be as tough as a hickory tree no move at present.

W. Freeland.