10th Maryland Infantry

Item LTR-11667

Description

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


Camp Wells
 October 14^th 1863
 
Friend Lizzie,
 
While I am about directing a few lines to George, I think it my duty to answer yours and let you know that I received your welcome letter.  But have not till now had a good chance to write because we changed our camp and fixed up for winter.  And now while we have everything done, we are on the lookout for a battle.  The Rebs are advancing and are as far as Winchester or Berryville.  Our regiment was hard to work and removing commissary and quartermaster stores from Harpers Ferry to Maryland all week and every regiment is to keep themselves in readiness, but let them come.  They’ll be driven back quicker than what they came.  I am pretty well off in this.  I won’t have to go and battle with them.  I might have to carry the wounded from the field, but that’s all and many of one wishes himself in my place.  I am sure for last month we got a band and I was transferred to it.  Of course, I have good enough times and can’t complain.  The week before last, we played at a ball in Boliver City, about 5 miles from our camp.  And I having not to play, enjoyed myself very much, you better believe. 
 
Now I have written as much as I know and will stop and wait to see you write a little news.  Excuse all impairments and let’s have one from you once before long.  I have tendered my regards to you all in the family and George’s letter, so there is no need in this.  And I will close with my respect to you.  Bye.
 
Remaining your friend,
 
George W. Reiser
 
My direction is:
 
George William Reiser
10^th Regiment Maryland Volunteer Band
Maryland Heights, Maryland