149th New York Infantry - Hospital Ward Master

Item MED-8484

Description

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


Ward 1st
Jefferson U.S.A. General Hospital
Jeffersonville, Indiana

November 24th 1864

Dear Father,

With pleasure I sit myself down to drop a few lines to let you know that I am still alive and well as can be considered on account of my leg. Although, I have been sick for the last two or three weeks and so I have neglected writing. But I am well again. All of the New York boys was furloughed home to vote. But I thought I would not go for it was too great a distance and it would be too expensive for me, also for so short a time.

When I was at home last year, I spent a great deal and I thought I was not gaining anything by it. I have learned to hang onto my small change and so I did not come. But it was hard for me to see all of the rest of the boys going home and I staying back. But still, I done it and probably I am just as well for it. But still if I had went home, I would enjoyed myself better than staying here. And then most likely it would pleasure you better. But I hated to go home and then bear the thought of having to come back. So you will have to excuse me for not coming with all of my excuses, will you not. I have pretty good times here and have a good doctor and I think I am all right to stay here a while yet.

I am Ward Master now and have nothing to do but to see that the rest of the men keep the war clean and nice. You ought to see the ward now. It looks better than half of the folks sitting rooms. Everything in its place and a place for everything. I have not heard from my regiment since I left it. But I would not care if they would send my descriptive list. But they will not send it for it is too much work for them. So I must go without it.

I had a letter from James Bocan last night. He said that Elivera Burdick was married. Well, I think that she had better marry when she was a small girl. Probably she thought she was getting to be an old maid. I think her and Leoninas will make a splendid looking couple. Do they not? Well, I must close my letter for this time. Write often and not wait for me. Answer this in due time.

From your son,

Perry Norton

Direct as before.

Perry Norton