5th Pennsylvania Cavalry - Captured at Ream's Station

Item LTR-9992

Description

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


Camp Near Great Bridge, Virginia

December 12th 1863

Friend Hughes,

Your letter of the 6th inst. came to hand yesterday and it was indeed a welcome visitor to me. As I had not heard from a friend and neighbor for so long and not looking for one from you at the time. And to also all alone in my quarters, reflecting over the past. When you letter came and I tell you that it was truly reviving to me and almost seemed to me like yourself had called to see me. So far, as your excuse for not writing is concerned, you are indeed quite excusable. As I am well aware that a framer and also having a family and everything to attend to has not always the time. Neither is he always in the writing mode. I was glad to hear that you and your family were all well. As this leaves me in the enjoyment of good health. I trust this may reach you the same. We were relieved at Williamsburg in August last. And since that time, we have been roving around quite considerably. Part of the time in North Carolina, and at present, laying in South Eastern Virginia, ten miles from the city of Norfolk on the road leading to North Carolina, and close to Great Bridge across the Elizabeth River, noted for its being the battle ground of battle fought under General Washington in time of the revolution. Since I wrote you last, we have seen a number of changes and hardships that a soldier has to endure, and although not being in any regular battles, have had several brisk skirmishes and especially with the guerillas of which are very numerous in this part of Virginia. As the country is very swampy and consequently, they can conceal themselves closely from cavalry. The dismal swamp is a great place for them and that lays but a little way from us on our right, or rather west of us. I received the luminary very regular. And consequently, thereby keep pretty well informed of deaths and changes that take place at home (or at least in our country). The country is poor through here. The soil is light and has been farmed hard without making any use of manure. And as it gave out the pitch pine has grown up. Till at the present there is nothing much but dense forests of pine. Nothing more than here and there a field or rather lot to be seen with a little log hut and a n****r family staying in it. the white people having left and in the rebel army or acting guerrilla. I see grain is a good price and as everything else is high. I do not think grain is out of the way yet. In fact, wheat is very cheap in accordance with other grain. You speak of having plenty of apples. I should like very much to give you a call some evening this winter and help you to eat some of them and have a chat together.

I made application some two weeks ago for a furlough. But it was not approved on account of my not reenlisting for 3 years more. I am willing to serve the present term of enlistment and after that if ti is a matter of necessity, I am ready. But I do not feel it at the present quite so much an object of interest as that comes to enlist the private soldier. I am going to try for a furlough again in a month or so. And I trust ere this winter passes by, we may have the enjoyment of spending a winter evening together. There I a rumor at present of us going to North Carolina. But as we have good quarters for the winter and good stables for our horses, I hope they will let us stay where we are.

The weather is warm here. There has been but two frosts here as yet, and very little rain.

With the hope of hearing from you soon, I close by sending my kind regards to all the family. Also give my respects to Mr. Woods and family and to all inquiring friends.

I ever remain your sincere friend,

Josiah Anderson
Orderly Sergeant
Company K
5th Pennsylvania Cavalry

Mr. M. Hughes