6th Iowa Infantry

Item LTR-10922

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


September 11^th 1863
 
Camp 6^th Iowa 
Vicksburg, Mississippi
 
Dear Friend Emaline,
 
Your kind letter of the 19^th August was received same time since.  But I have had the Ague and I trust it is sufficient excuse for not writing before.  Is it not?  As a general thing, the regiment is healthy at present but quite a number are having the Ague, but we don’t call that sickness.  We have orders to march and expect to be going tomorrow for Little Rock, Arkansas, to be gone for 10 to 20 days.  Then we will stay here all winter, so reports say.
 
I was very glad to be given kind letters from all my friends.  But Emaline, I am sorry that I didn’t answer your letters as I should like to.  if I was a Christian, I might but I am not one.  But trying as hard as I can to be one and hope soon to see the day when I can stand boldly forth and claim the honor of a Christian Soldier.  Then when that time comes, I think I shall be happy, if ever.  I am trying for it every day and I hope I gain.  Sometimes I think I do and sometimes I don’t.  but your prayers and God’s help, I shall gain the victory.  I pray every day and night and I think sometimes my prayers will be answered.  But the struggle is hard for there are many unheard of temptations here that you never dream of.  But I can’t tell how many.
 
The weather is very warm here now.  So warm that I dread the coming march.  I don’t know as I shall go through unless I am better tomorrow.  I think I shall stay here but I hate to stay behind the regiment when they go away.  For they say you are playing off and afraid to go or something of that kind if a fellow stays behind.  I think we are going to Little Rock to reinforce General Steele.  We expect to have a share in the fight there if there is any.  Captain Bascom had a letter from your brother Sam a few days ago.  They were at Hellen’s when he wrote and going West from there.  He did not know where.
 
I have heard that there will not be a draft in Iowa yet.  I am glad to have that but I think there is a good many there that ought to be drafted and got in the army some way.  But there is a number that I should like to see in the army.
 
I can’t think of anything more to write this time.  My love to all friends and keep some for Emaline.  I am glad that you like my letters.  
 
Ever truly your friend,
 
M. Combs
 
Please write soon.  When I return from our march, I will write you a better letter.