21st Maine Infantry

Item LTR-9644

Description

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


New Castle
September 7th 1862

Dear Cousin Emma,

I received your kind letter Friday night. Inez, Laura and Clara was down there and she gave it to me then we went off in the boats and had a good time. I am glad you went to see the old place where I used to live. You say you are lonesome to Uncles. If so I pity you very much. We all miss you very much. I wish you hadn’t went. I suppose you will come home this fall. My thoughts are few and scattering this morning. I expect it is most Sunday School time. I must go this time for it is the last time. I expect you said you didn’t want me to go to war. I don’t know what you will say when I tell you that I have enlisted to go to war for nine months. I am sorry for you. Don’t be hard with me now, your letter came too late. I enlisted Wednesday last and next Wednesday I am to be sent to Augusta. Think of me and write to me when I am off to war. I shall think of you when far away. I shall think of every day. You will have a lonesome time this winter if you come home. For all the boys are going with me. Charles Perkins is one and Garner Perkins is another. John Otis, Daniel Perkins and Eb Dady. I believe that is all. My hand trembles as bad as it did when I signed my name. I must close. Tell Uncle and Aunt good bye.

Write soon.

From your loving Cousin

J. A. Glidden

Let no one see this letter
I forgot to tell you that I have a $175 bounty to start with.