152nd New York Infantry

Item LTR-10921

Description

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


Fort Stedman, Virginia
November 28^th 1864
 
Monday evening
 
Most esteemed Cousin Gertrude, as I have got tired of waiting to hear from you, I got so mad, I will write to you whether you will answer them or not.  I am bound to write you if you don’t to me.  I ain’t had any answer from you since I wrote to you.  I don’t know but you have answered it.  But I haven’t got any answers.  If you did, I don’t know, as you did get mine if you didn’t.  I can’t blame you.  But never mind that we had a splendid Thanksgiving Dinner.  We had turkeys and other eatables, too numerous to mention and they were very thankfully received and welcomed.  We thank our friends at home for this kindness they have showed towards the soldiers.  You may think they don’t.  I received such gifts but I will grant you they do Gertrude.
 
I saw Uncle Erastus Wood the other day.  He is well.  He is in the 2^nd New York Artillery.  He is in the Brass Band.  Thomas was here yesterday.  He is well.  I presume you hear from him.  I heard Erve Hale was after Widow Jones at Middleville.  Is that so?  How is his sister?  Tell her not to get married until I get home.  For I am going to have a word to say.  There is Erie Lame, yet I presume he will wait until the draft is over, then he will be all sound.  I wished he would have to come and serve his time out.  After we got home, if we were all like him, where would our country go to?  he is what we call here “Dead Beat.”  If a man is sick here as get to the rear, they call him a “Dead Beat” and Erve dead beated it until he got out of the service.  I rather be in my boots than in his if we ever get back.  He will catch it.  Well, I have dwelled on such a subject long enough, I think.  Well Gertrude, we ain’t got only ten months and a half then we will be free again and I for one will insist if my country needs it.  But I think this winter will finish this thing.  At least most of the soldiers think so.  I hope it may but I for one want it settled honorable so it will stay settled.
 
Our Corps Commander left us yesterday.  He has gone to Washington.  His name is Hancock.  He is a brave and noble officer.  General Humphrey has taken command of our Corps now. He was Chief on Hancock’s staff
 
Well, I will stop.  I guess I have written enough to worry your parents reading this.  But you must excuse all mistakes for I am excited.  So, goodbye.
 
From your Cousin,
 
H. M. Wood
 
To Cousin Gertrude Sanders
Eatonville