124th Pennsylvania Infantry - NEW

Item LTR-11840

Description

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


Fairfax Station
January 13, 1863
Half past nine o'clock evening
 
Dear Wife and Mother,
 
At this moment, God orders to be ready to march at 12 hours notice. This order is given to us, as all others are, without any indication as to where we are going.
 
But as both Edwin and myself are still in excellent health, you need not have any fears for us as far as the march is concerned. I think that I am justified in saying that you need have no fears for us as far as the reps are concerned, as the roads are not a condition favorable to military operations at this time.
 
As far as we know, there is none of the enemy forces this side of Burnside's army. We will not, of course, meet any if we are to join him. If we are going out west, we shall be equally safe. But it is idle to speculate as to where we are going. I shall not close this tonight. I may be able to give you an inkling as to where we are destined.
 
I wrote you a long letter, which I mailed on Friday, which you have doubtless received by this time. We have Frank Brook in camp. He is here for the purposes of taking Benjamin home, who is sick. I asked him about his bill. He remarked that when you named it to him, he thought that he had paid me, but his belief is not now as strong as then. He promises to look into it. You will give him the note I enclosed you, which will serve to remind him of it. He will find he is mistaken. I may see him in the morning. If so, I will have some further talk with him.
 
Evening of the 16th, Frank left without me seeing him. Our order to be ready to march is still in force, but we know not where we shall start or when. Neither have we any idea where we are to go, and we may not go at all. Major Haldeman has returned and delivered the pipes and cones. I feel a little disappointed that he did not bring a letter for me. I reconcile myself by hoping that you have started one on the way for me. I shall send you this by Mr. Beatty, who has again been paying us a visit. He leaves tomorrow morning. So does Jane Shaw. I hope you will not feel an alarm for us in consequence of us not knowing to where we are going. This is common, we never know our destination, so there is nothing in that fact.
 
You will remember me to Hargraves and say if he received this letter that I sent him. If not, I will write again. If he has received it, I would like him to write. I hope mother has finally recovered her fatigue, and that whatever conclusion she arrives at as to her continuing the store will be best.
 
We are now on the short side of our time and will be soon over, when we shall again be together. Let us hope that we shall not again be called upon to separate. You will remember me to any inquirers and assure them that I am "right side up" and "right side out" and ready for anything that is not too hot or too heavy for me. 
 
This is the day the paymaster was to have been here, but he has not shown himself.
 
Your affectionate husband, 
 
R. Buckley