31st North Carolina Infantry - Captured at Roanoke Island, NC - NEW

Item CON-11851

Description

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


Wilmington, North Carolina
May 1st, 1864
 
Mary B. Dewar
 
Dear Ma,
 
It's with pleasure that I embrace the opportunity to write you a few lines by James Arnold, to let you know that I am very well at this time. Hoping, when these few lines come to hand, they may find you enjoying the same state of health.
 
I received a letter from J.A. Johnson yesterday. He was mending slowly. I haven't much news of importance to write. The Garda left here day before yesterday to go to Charleston. She had a load of cotton and coal. The Nashville is going to start back on Saturday. She is going to carry cotton.
 
We have got to organize and elect officers. We were to do it today, but it was put off, so I can't tell when we will. I expect that it will be a mess of it.
 
We are expecting an attack here every day. They have sent off for men. They came last night and are sent to Fort Fisher. I heard that Captain McKay's company was going to reorganize last Tuesday, but I don't know whether it is so or not. 
 
I must come to a close asking you to write soon. So good day.
 
Yours, 
 
J. P. Dewar