2nd United States Sharpshooters & 1st Minnesota Infantry Battalion

Item LTR-9865

Description

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


Fredericksburg, Virginia
May the 1st 1862

Dear Parents,

It is with pleasure I take my pen in and to right a few lines to you to let you know that William and me are in good health and spirits and I hope that these few lines will find you the same.

The weather is wet and foggy today. No fighting going on today. Round here, we heard that John Babcock is dead. He died at Washington, in the hospital. We have just got our pay for two months. Twenty-six dollars and I will send ten in this letter. And if this gets to you all safe, I shall like to send some more if I can. When you get this, you must write soon and let me know.

I suppose you are making sugar like fun now. You must make me a good cake. I shall be home about July, if nothing happens to me. We will have the rebels whipped so that they will stay whipped by that time. We are getting them surrounded pretty much now. They will have to be whipped or whip us and that I think they can’t do. The hallowed flag must wave over the land of Macon, GA. Write some and tell me all the news. Direct your letters as before. Give my love to all.

Your son,

Edwin A. Aldritt