1st New York Mounted Rifles - Hospital Steward

Item LTR-11217

Description

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

Suffolk, Va 
December 26, 1862
 
Dear Sister Maranda,
Having been asleep for two or three days I am unable to tell whether I have written in reply to your last or not. But believe not. I have got so nearly worn out that I can hardly tell what I do. The Doctor took compassion on me yesterday afternoon and relieved me from duty until I rest some. One night’s rest makes one feel like a new man again. Christmas passed off very cheerfully in our camp yesterday—full as much so as becoming, considering the day of remembrance of the birth of our blessed Saviour. However, there was no riotous drunkenness as I saw. But, of all odd capers I ever saw—I saw the most odd yesterday for Christmas. Our hospital steward remembered all the attendants with a turkey dinner yesterday. However, I could not dine with them because of my being so near tired out—that my stomach rejects any nourishment.
 
But since I have had one night’s rest I feel much better. I hope I shall not get down quite so low again. It is against the Doctor’s wishes for me or any of the attendants to overdo themselves. But when I have men to take care of that their lives seem to depend on good attention, I am not satisfied to go to bed and trust to a man that has no experience to take care of them. 
 
I have lost three men within nine days. They all were out of medicines reach before they were brought to my ward. But I always have hopes till they die. By giving them my constant attention I have overdone my strength and nearly brought myself to the sick bed. But hope to avoid it by taking care of myself. 
 
I hear from all the folks occasionally—all seems to be going well at home. I had a letter from Aunt Catherine last week. The folks in Minnesota were all well when she wrote.
 
I must now close as I have about a dozen letters to write today and I work slow. So I will wish you a happy New Year and say good-bye. 
 
Yours with regard
 
Giles L. Skinner
Troop L
 1^st  Regt. N.Y. Mounted Rifles
Suffolk, Virginia
 
To Miss Maranda Skinner
Mount Hope, Orange Co., N.Y.