30th New York Infantry

Item LTR-11561

Description

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


Hunter’s Chapel,
 
August 6^th 1861
 
Dear Brother,
 
I now take the time to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am well at present and hope that these few lines will find you the same.  
 
I reach the bank on the 30^th of July and was glad to reach it.  They have got us in Virginia and they give us 3 crackers a day to eat.  The meat that we get stinks so we have to throw it away.  And the coffee that we get is like swill.  I wish that I was home.  But I don’t know as I ever shall reach home again.  But I hope I shall reach home.  
 
Peaches are plenty here.  I was on picket last night.  I like to have got captured.  When this morning, four of them came down the hill after me.  When I made tracks for the camp and arrived safe.  The boys are all well.  The tents here are small.  There are five in a tent.  It is awful hot here.
 
Our pickets are fired upon every night.  It seems strange to hear the bullets whistling around.  We expect to have a battle in a few days.  We are in 2 miles of the army.  We are in danger of getting killed every minute.  Perhaps you may never hear from me again. 
 
Direct your letters to Washington
30^th Regiment, New York State Volunteers
Company F
 
In care of Captain A. J. Perry
 
Write as soon as you get this.  Send 2 or 3 letter stamps.
 
Perhaps you may never hear from me again.  I may be dead while you are reading this.  
 
We are the right wing of the advance army.  Don’t for God’s sake never enlist.  I would be a slave all my life if I could only get back home.
 
I was out on a scouting party last night and shot at a fellow twice, wounding him severely, and took him prisoner.  I was wounded slightly.  I often think of that dear old home.  I have seen so much sadness.
 
I now bid you goodbye dear brother and sister.  Write as soon as you get this.
 
Your affectionate brother,
 
Corwin Holmes.