48th New York Infantry - Wounded at Drewry's Bluff, VA

Item LTR-11668

Description

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


Fort Pulaski, Georgia
 May 10^th 1863
 
My Dear Sister,
 
Yours of April 20^th came duly to hand yesterday and I assure you I was very glad to hear from you.  As sometimes one or two weeks pass before I receive a letter.  And then they come either one or two at a time.  Mails are very irregular sometimes.  We receive a coaster as it is called and sometimes 10 days pass away.  My health stays extremely good for the time of year.  As it is cold and warm by turns. Friday, I suffered more while on guard, both day and night, than ever before from cold.  But today I feel first rate, never better.
 
There is great excitement now in garrison on account of furloughs.  Four are to go in the next steamer.  All married men.  I understand that those who have never been in arrest are to go first.  None of these have been in arrest and all are married.  So, they are preferred.  Captain Elmendorf is to go on the same steamer.  I believe he stops at 141 Maiden Lane, New York, his brother’s place, Mr. John Elmendorf.  I know not whether I will come north this summer or not.  As certain events are transpiring in the company which makes every good soldier disgusted.  That is preferring the $164.00 men to old soldiers they are particular friends.  I hear more swearing over that than anything else.  All that would bring me home would be the chance for promotion.  But should I get it here, I should certainly stand a chance to visit the north.  Things look very favorable for ending of the war.  Hooker seems to be on the advance and I think to victory.  Banks is victorious in the Gulf. I have concluded never to ask any favors of the officers of the 48^th.  As they are a set of hogs favoring some and setting others aside.  I know of one who now visits the north expressly for the purpose of getting promotion.  He is one of the $164.00 men and has been out since September 1862.  So, he is not entitled to it and the fellows are raising a muss aout it.  We are getting pretty high strung as the term runs out and our boys will enlist in any other but the 48^th after time runs out.  We are kept as if the commissioned officers are superior beings to us and they wish a fellow to get on his knees to them.  But they cannot come to the game over us.  It is now contrary to orders for us to go to them for anything.
 
Have you heard Father say anything about a letter I sent him a few days ago.  He sometimes sends to me saying he wants aid.  My cash is $13 per month and as long as I stay here to live.  I sent to him wishing him to try and get me a position through political influence, which is now all the go.  I know his friends stand as good as any and many who are not fit, get positions now in that way.  I do not like to have him apply to when I cannot aid him, when if he should try.  I might possibly raise till $98.00 per month.  Please write and let me know what he thinks.  It is in his favor if he is only quick enough and does not say anything to make them think I have not education enough.  That is the thing.  Please stir him up a little and see what he thinks of it.
 
One of our sergeants is half crazy over this furlough act.  I expect he will get sick over it.  If he left for good and it would be no loss to us, as he is worth nothing.  He does not know his business and is one of the suckers after the officers.  The company detests him.  He will buttonhole you till he is ordered out of his quarters and will inform on his best friends if it will advance him any in their opinion.
 
If my norther friends and relatives will get me promotion or let Captain Elmendorf know that I am not a mountaineer or back woodsman, I can hope for some chance.  But as long as he supposes that I have worked all my time in a brickyard or farm, never knew how to write my name, as he seems to think of all who did not live in Brooklyn, I stay in the ranks as I will not humor him enough.  I would not save his life if I could on account of an insult.  I have no power.  But as soon as we are both citizens, I will punish it in a way I know how.  Colonel Green is to go home, I believe, in the same steamer with Elmendorf. The Colonel is a fine man.  All the regiment likes him.
 
I will close remaining,
 
Your Brother,
 
William F. Wood
 
My respects to all friends.
 
Answer soon and correctly.