48th North Carolina Infantry

Item CON-9948

Description

Original Civil War Confederate letter. 2 pages, written in period ink. Captured at Bristoe Station, VA and confined at Old Capitol Prison, Washington, DC.


Monday afternoon

December the 8th 1862

Near Fredericksburg, Virginia

Dear Father,

I now have the opportunity of writing you a few lines stating that I am well at present. And hope that these few lines may find you all enjoying the same good blessing. I received a letter and some medicine last Friday, which you sent with Charles Perriman. But I have not received my box of clothing yet. I have tried every way that I know how to get them. But failed. And I asked Captain Michel what to do about it. He said that I had better write to you immediately. And he said that you would better come out here yourself and bring me some more clothing, etc.. And if I should get my box yet, you could then take some back if I had more than I needed. I need shoes and pants very bad, because I am about barefooted. And I lost one pair of pants and therefore have but one pair left. And they are nearly worn out. And now I will tell you what I want you to bring to me, viz my overcoat, two pair pants, one woolen overshirt, one cotton shirt, one pair of stout cotton drawers, one pair socks, one pair gloves, one large cravat, one hat and one pair of shoes, if you can get them. Because I need them very much. And I would be very glad if you could bring me some molasses or honey, some butter, some good old ham, a little salt and some sweet cakes for Christmas. And some ground peas, grassnuts, chestnuts, etc., and anything else that is good that you think I need. I want you to bring them as soon as you possibly can. Because I need them very bad. Try and come before Christmas. Yet, if you can come when Solomon Tesh comes, if you cannot come before. We are here about 5 miles south of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and if we leave here, we will go to Richmond.

So, I must close. Please write soon as you get this and write whether you will come or not.

I remain your affectionate son,

C. A. Hege

Direct your letters as usual.