2nd New York Cavalry

Item LTR-11049

Description

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


Camp Talmen, Virginia
 December 8^th 1861
 
Dear Frank,
 
You may be surprised at seeing this after so long a delay.  But your letter finding me here not in Jersey accounts for it.
 
Here in the cold and deserted country of Virginia, fighting for my country and that flag that our forefathers fought for and died beneath and if necessary, I for one am willing to take the emblem of my country for my winding sheet and lay down my life for “The Cause” we are fighting for!  Freedom that when broken leaves many a happy fireside in tears and sorrow for the dear one that have taken their departure for war.  I for one left a crying Mother and sorrowing Father for to help to crush the rebellion that now pervaded this glorious Union.  But I must stop this, may not be interesting to you.  I will wait till we are more acquainted.
 
In the first place, a description will be preferable.  To begin, I am twenty-one years of age, five foot and eleven inches in height, have dark brown hair, blue eyes, fair complex action, and not flattering myself, make a very good appearance.  I have no other correspondent at present and it would please me to exchange letters.  It will pass they many weary hours that we poor soldiers have to pass through in this life and perhaps after peace is proclaimed once more.  Although you say many a hill and dale now lies between us, there is a mystery that we may per chance, become more acquainted and meet and join hand in hand and walk this sunny path of life.  And if not, we may exchange a few letters for the mutual benefit of edification.  Now, if this should meet your fancy, you must let me know what subject pleases you the most or if this should or should not.
 
And this was the last of my earthly career
Would you say a friend had been taken away
Would you give to my memory a thought or a tear
Or would you plant a wild flower above where I lay
 
No more at present.
 
Yours & etc. to Frances A. Hunt
 
From
William A. Weare
Harris Light Cavalry, Company A
Washington, DC
 
I wait a speedy reply.