44th New York Infantry - Twice Wounded

Item LTR-11178

Description

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



Camp Near Alexandria, Virginia
 
March 15^th 1864
 
Dear Parents,
 
I received your letter of the 5^th and was glad to hear that you were all well.  I have been very neglectful not answering your letter before.  You must excuse me this time.  The truth is I haven’t much news to write.  It is about the same thing over and over every day.  The 2^nd of last month I went to the 12^th Regiment and found the boys all well as usual.  I got a pair of drawers and a shirt and socks and some cake also.  I don’t know I shall go there again.  I haven’t been up the rod since.
 
I think I stated in my letter previous that I was company cook or in other words company sluch.  Just got through cooking pork and potatoes for dinner and now I’m through until 4 o’clock and then I’ve got to make coffee for supper.  I had just as leave to cook as do the other duty – one thing I get my night’s sleep.
 
Well, my arm is about well.  Tell you it took first rate most to well to suite me.  We have lost one man of our company with smallpox when we first came here.  We have got our camp about finished except graveling the streets.  The whole regiment had to be in line in front of the camp.  As soon as we can get the pictures of it, I will send you one.
 
I think that we will get our pay some time this month.  You say that you have got to have $86.00 by the 1^st of April.  I don’t know how we are going to raise it.  Shall I borrow $20.00 or so from some of the boys next pay day.  These old veterans will get quite a pile.  Well, I suppose if I reenlist, I will get quite a pile too.  But I don’t like the idea staying three years longer that where the hen scratches.
 
Did you see Ira Dubois when he came home?  He went home on a 10-day furlough.  His time expired this morning.  But he has not made his appearance yet.  He got a telegraph dispatch that his Father wasn’t expected to live, and he took it to the Colonel, and he made him out a furlough immediately.
 
I have got three overcoats and I think that I will send one or two home when we get our money.  What do you think about it?  They will come good in a rain or snowstorm.
 
Well, I don’t know what more to write at present.  So, I shall have to bring my letter to a close.  Hoping these few lines will find you all well and enjoying good health which they leave me at present.
 
Do you know where Brooks Slater is?
 
 
 
P. S.  I wish you would send me some morning glory seed in the next letter.  I want to have them planted by the tent.
 
Write soon.
 
My respect to all.
 
From your Affectionate Son,
 
Isaac Bevier