10th Michigan Cavalry

Item LTR-10924

Description

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


Camp Nelson, Kentucky
December 29^th 1863
 
Dear Sister,
 
As I thought as I am not very busy this forenoon, I would try and write a few lines to let you know how I am.  I am well as usual.  We had orders the other day to prepare winter quarters and before we had finished them, our regiment received marching orders.  But we are here yet and will not probably move for a day or two, if we do this week.  So, you see our life here is rather uncertain one.  For we cannot tell whether we are here or somewhere else.  I had tents with me and we have made our little tent as comfortable as a kitchen.  We have built a small chimney and board by ourselves.  It is quite warm and pleasant today.  But it is as cold here sometimes as it is in Michigan.  It has been raining for the last two days and the Kentucky mud is about 6 inches deep on an average and some places deeper.
 
There was a butternut-colored man just come in with pies to sell.  And I bought two for dinner.  Butter is only 40 cents a pound here and other things in proportion.  I got a letter from Mr. Pool last week.  And I will answer when something happens so I can have something to write about.  George Baker found his brother-in-law, Mr. Bachelor of the 8^th Infantry, at Crab Orchard the other day.  There is some of the 23^rd here and some of all regiments.  But none of my acquaintance.  I want you all to write oftener.  It seems you have forgotten me or something is the matter.  I shall have to stop writing home before long for writing material is getting scarce and I am too lazy to write much.
 
Give my best respects to everyone, friend or foe.  For I am down in Dixie for three years or sooner shot and I am too stubborn a fellow to get my discharge inside of my term of enlistment.   Well, I don’t care.  For I have experienced nothing yet to make me sick of my bargain, but have seen and learned a great deal more than I supposed a numb skull, like myself, could write about fourteen sheets of paper.  The next letter write and tell me all the news.
 
Well, no more at this time.
 
From your brother and soldier,
 
W. N. Daggett
 
P.S.  Excuse the scribbling and I will do better next time.
 
W. N. Daggett