16th New York Heavy Artillery

Item LTR-9820

Description

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


Gloucester Point, VA
Friday, April the 8th, 1864

Dear Sister,

It is with the greatest pleasure that I sit myself to write you a few lines to let you know of my health which is very good at present. And hope this short note may find you as well as the departure of it leaves me. I have just received two letters from Ephraim. One written while he was at Elmira, which contained your picture which he presented to me. I was very happy to receive it. Also to peruse its letters’ contents, which stated your visit there and also Mrs. Neal’s. The other was written while they were at Louisville in Kentucky. That stated that they had just arrived there. They said their journey had almost tired them out. They had been about a week going from Elmira. I must say for my part, I am sorry that Ephraim is in the infantry. I would of preferred any other branch of the service. I would give everything almost I had to give if he was only here with me. But I am in hopes that this rebellion will soon be put out of existence. When we shall all return to our respective homes. It does indeed seem strange to address you as sister, almost or quite an entire stranger. Perhaps no more than you are to be addressed by others. I think I saw you once at Mr. Lakes’. And if my memory serves me, your picture looks very natural. I think if I had not been told whose it was I would of known. It is getting late and I must bring this to a close. Hoping we shall become better acquainted and well wishes and safe return of your husband.

I shall be happy to hear from you. I presume all the means of my knowing Ephraim’s address will be through your letters. No more to write. Write soon.

From your friend and Brother,

Erastus S. Worden

Mrs. Lizzie Worden

Please direct

Erastus S. Worden
Gloucester Point, VA
16th Heavy Artillery
Battery M
Unassigned men