70th New York Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11737

Description

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



New Orleans
November 17, 1863
Tuesday morning
 
My dear Mother,
 
Although I was disappointed at not receiving any letters from home by the last steamer, still I suppose that you have been full of business, so I will say nothing. I was rather surprised, as was Dan, not seeing the general on the steamer, but still more that no letter came from him giving us any idea of his plans or intentions. Something will come this week, I hope.
 
Dan and I are living very quietly together at No 73 Conti Street, and he is as kind and pleasant as he can be. I enjoy being with him very much. The only thing which has occurred to me worthy of mention was quite a narrow escape I had last Thursday from breaking my leg. How I got off as I did, with only some slight bruises, from which I am now almost wholly recovered I can see. The circumstances were these: I started to take a ride on horseback, and as I was going down Carondelet Street on a canter, I forgot that I was on pavement. On attempting to turn a corner, my horse slipped and came down on top of me; my face struck the pavement, cutting it somewhat.
 
The street is one of the greatest Secesh ones here, and of all there, only one man came out to help me, although they all thought I had either broken my leg or smashed my foot. As how I escaped seems now, as I look back on it, little short of a miracle. But I was so enraged at falling in that street that I believe I should have jumped up almost if it had been broken. As it was, I declined all help and started off on a gallop. Although when I got around the corner and out of sight, I was so faint that I could hardly sit in my saddle and had to go home.
 
It was about as narrow an escape as when I went overboard. I am about well now, except my leg is a little sore, but it amounts to nothing, and I am coming to the conclusion that I am not born to be killed by violent means.
 
The news from the North is quite cheering, what with the elections and the little fight on the Rappahannock. I hope the fortune of the Army of the Potomac may be changing, and that all is going well.
 
How did father like Seward's speech at Auburn? I think it was capital, so does Dan. He read it to me yesterday at dinner.
 
Whatever he may be, he certainly understands the use of language and how to put the most with the greatest effect. I was very glad to see from your letter to Dan, my dear mother, that you were so successful in your affairs in Springfield.
 
Hoping to hear by the next steamer and that you are all well at home. I am with much love to you, Father, William and Chas.
 
Your affectionate son,
 Charley
 
Remember me to Miss Mifflin.