8th Connecticut Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11703

Description

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


Headquarters
In Camp near Newbern, NC
 
June 29^th 1862
 
My Dear Mother,
 
There has been a number of days a rumor going around camp to the effect that we were about to break amp and move into the interior.  However, we were not much startled by it.  Because we did not believe that we should realize the truth of the rumor so soon.  Certain movements, however, for a day or two past, have been of that character as to excite our suspicions mightily.  Indeed, we have talked of nothing else but of the idea of going where we were going and the sorrow that we feel in being obliged to break up this beautiful camp.  A camp not to be excelled in beauty in its situation in its regularity in its cleanliness in the whole division.
 
This summer we were made to feel that the time was near at hand when we should have to experience this and toils, the fatigue and privations of a march.  Never, never, have we hated to break up a camp so much as we do this.  But such are the fortunes of war.
 
This morning as soon as I had finished issuing rations to the regiment, I was ordered to issue three days more to them. Have it cooked and be ready to start in the morning.  You may believe I made the coffee, sugar, beans, “salt horse” fly for a spell.  And you [can] also rest assured that great drops of perspiration stood on my brow.  It is a large warm.
 
It is now about 3 o’clock.  We just got time to sit down and hurriedly pen you a few lines.  I am subject to a call every moment.  You must be thankful for a few lines this time.  Did not know when I should have the opportunity of writing again.  And I thought I would inform you that I started away with my usual good health.  Although, I shall have to leave this beautiful camp.  Yet I somewhat admire the idea of going farther into the country and of seeing what there is to be seen.  As for our destination, we only can conjecture.  We are of the opinion that we shall bend towards Raleigh.  We heard this morning that General Dix had occupied the above place.  I think we are to make a bold dash into the interior somewhere and destroy the railroad.  Thereby cutting off the retreat of Davis.  If General Dix is in Raleigh, Jeff Davis might as well consider Richmond to be his last place.  He had better begin to dig his “ditch” in order to make his last final desperate stand against the brave norther yeomen who are about to suddenly overwhelm him.
 
We will make Europe stand in perfect awe of our facilities and strength.  She had better her quietus take before she dares to trouble us.
 
Write soon and often.  I shall write again as soon as possible.  My hearty love to you and all together with my friends.  
 
Your affectionately son,
 
Fred Gallup