86th New York Infantry

Item LTR-9743

Description

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


Camp 86th N.Y. Vols
March 10th 1865

Friend Amanda,

It has been a long time indeed since I wrote you. The reason: I was waiting for you to answer my last letter. Another reason: I thought perhaps you thought (as it is) that my letters were of too little interest to notice. Now Amanda, I will tell you what I think is the reason why you don’t write & I will believe it too if you don’t answer this. Now for the reason. It is that John of yours don’t let you have time enough to write to me. You will not be mad at me for this, will you. It’s some of my foolishness, nothing more. But I would like to have you write & I took this way of doing it. I’ve wrote to George twice since he wrote. I have thought perhaps he had left Georgetown. When you write to him, please tell him I wish to hear from him.

Are you attending school this winter. I think there must be a pretty good school in your place now. Do you see Mary Vincent very often this winter. I hear she is teaching near your place. Do you remember those two young men who went to Alfred to school the fall that Mary Susan & Sarah attended. Ones name was Yale. I think his home is near Wellsville. Do you know what has become of him. Then name of the other I have forgot. But I think he lives near your place. Probably you have heard Sarah speak of him. I would like to know where they are if you could tell me about them. Do you folks think of ever going back to Almond to live. We are having very good times now. But I think it will not be long now before we will have to move to fight. We are only waiting for the ground to get dry enough for us to move. Please write on receipt of this. My best wishes to all.

Truly you friend.
John Cottrell
Co D, 86th N.Y. Vols