27th Iowa Infantry

Item LTR-9996

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 1 page, written in period ink.


Camp Reed
Jackson, Tennessee

March 19th 1863

My Dear Wife,

Yesterday morning, I went out on picket guard and did not return till noon today and found a letter from you. Some things in yours are more interesting than agreeable. For instance, the report nuisance circulates of you and Mrs. H. It is needless to take any notice of his slanders. No one that knows him believes anything he says unless they first know it to be true. I could name certainly one more of the same stripe.

I cannot learn anything definite about pay. It will probably come some time. Unless the government breaks down. In which case greenbacks will be of no account. Although we are doing nothing in a military view, I am for one kept busy almost all the time. So many sick to visit and then the dead or their effects to attend to. two more of my company have died within a week. Joseph Moore and B. McGonigal. The latter died yesterday. A. L. Shurtleff is thought to be getting better. Warren Chase is at the post hospital. The left top of his lungs is said by the doctors to be entirely consolidated. The Cordell boys (Albert and Alfred) about as usual. Witten doing duty. Henry French has a large swelling on his neck. I can only send you a short letter now. But will try and write often. We know nothing of going to Vicksburg.

I have just received the papers and bundle of linens.

Respects to friends, etc.. Kisses for the children. Love for you.

O. Whitney