45th Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-9608

Description

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


New Bern
March 28th 1863

Dearest Lucy,

I write by Jim who goes tomorrow and who, if he does not go directly to Boston, will mail this letter in New York. What did my little Len mean by sending me his money? Was it for my personal use? The dear little fellow! I want him to keep his money for himself and you must make it up to him. James will tell you I think that he has had a pleasant nine days in New Bern. He went out to ride with me every day and has seen everything worth seeing here. I am very glad that he came down and it has given me much pleasure to see him. I send some photographs of our men by Jim. One for you, one for Colonel Holmes, one for John, one Jim keeps, one for Mrs. Weller from Russell, and one for Mrs. Kneeland (to be sent to 54 Chauncey Street) from Dr. Kneeland. Each photograph has the name of the person it is for on the back except yours. You will recognize the faces. The Sergeant Major Wheelock is leaning against the door. Private Shapleigh, Colonel’s orderly stands on the steps. At the window is Private Worthley, Adjutant’s clerk; Mrs. Peabody is at the other window. Peter (Colonel P’s darkey) is looking out one of the side windows. The officers you will recognize . Dr. Stone is lying on the cellar door.

Life is as usual here. Monotonous since the attack, which as you know amounted to nothing. I enclose seven documents that may interest. One is the record of the court-martial which may give you an idea of how discipline is managed here. Another is the order I received on the day of the attack, telling us what to do. I also received another order, saying that great care to preserve order in New Bern must be taken by the Provost Guard. And that in case of alarm at night I must turn out my regiment and call citizens into their houses, and establish the most perfect order in the town.

We are having mild and pleasant weather. General Foster has returned to New Bern from a visit to Plymouth and Washington DC.

Love to my darling little children. I write Charley an answer to his questions. Good bye dearest. I will write again very soon. My dearest wife. I love you ever as much as always.

Affectionately and fondly,

CRC