8th New York Light Artillery

Item LTR-9646

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Gloucester Point, Virginia
December 23rd 1863

Dear Brother,

I received your letter of the 12th inst. in due season and was glad to hear from home again.

In regard to sending me things by James Mills, you need not send me anything by him. As I will be home myself by the middle of next month.

There is no news of importance except the great fire and explosion of the magazines in Yorktown which I witnessed. It was a grand but terrible sight and far exceeds any account I have yet seen of it. In fact, nothing but the reality can convey an adequate idea of its terrible effect. Every window glass in Yorktown was broken and sash torn out and even on this side of the river, the shock was so forceable that it shook the earth and in some instances broke out windows.

No more at present, as I am very busy. My health is very good as usual.

Yours in haste,

H. S. Murray