34th New York Infantry - Killed at Fredericksburg - NEW

Item LTR-11842

Description

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



Seneca Mills, Maryland
August 16, [1861]
 
Friend Clark,
 
the opportunity of writing a few lines to you. I should have written to you before this time, only there is so much excitement here.
 
When C.S. Champlain and A.Y. Baker were here, we were camped at Great Falls. Now, we are with the rest of the regiment. How long we will stay here, I can't tell. It is supposed that we will march on to Harpers Ferry. I hope we will if we don't see any rebels.
 
We can see the country where John Brown ended his exploits. The Minnesota regiment left here today for Point Rock (Point of Rocks)
 
 that is 12 miles above here and 25 from Harpers Ferry.
 
We are camped in a very nice place. It is in the woods and about a quarter of a mile from the canal, and one and a half miles from Virginia. We are camped on a hill, so we have a good view of the rebels' shore and Potomac River.
 
Mark, I wish that you could see us now, talk about your gypsy life. You can't compare it with ours, although it reminds me of the gypsy life in the olden times, such as I have seen about here. We are some sprawled out on the grass, asleep; some cooking, some writing, and some fighting. We do most anything to pass away the time. Most of the boys like this life. I, for one, only the provisions and of the best, but as long as we get enough of them, we won't starve.
 
George Palmer ran away four or five days ago. I have not heard from him, nor do I know where he is. If he is in Hammondsport, New York, tell him to keep out of the way. If they catch him, they will give him hell, for this is a place where they punish a fellow. They put from 35 to 50 pounds of brick bat in a knapsack, slap that on your back, and march you eight hours every day for three or four days in the hot sun.
 
Clark, study on that for a spell. See if that is not hard. If it isn't, I hope to be skinned who would not be a soldier.
 
All the boys are well and as happy as clams. No more present.
 
From your friend, 
John Hurley
34th Regiment New York Volunteers
In care of Captain King
Washington, DC
 
Clark, excuse this writing, for I am writing on an empty barbell of beef. Write as soon as you can and as quick as scalp Jeff Davis, I will let you know.
 
J.W. Hurley
 
Clark, please give to E.W. Randel his note, and I will be much obliged to you.