5th Maryland Infantry - Captured at Winchester - NEW

Item LTR-11846

Description

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


Camp Hoffman [at Lafayette Square]
Baltimore [Maryland]
 
February 26^th 1862
 
Dear Mother,
 
Take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to inform you that I am well, and I hope this will find you the same. I have not been to Annapolis since November. I was going down Christmas, but was not well enough, and there has been an order issued prohibiting any more furloughs on account of the forward movements of our army.
 
We now occupy comfortable houses built for us during the winter. We had a glorious celebration on Saturday in honor of the birth of Washington and the grand victories of our grand army and navy. The news of which I presume you have heard.
 
There were about 7,000 soldiers in the line with the gallant Major General John A. Dix and staff at our head. We then paraded through the city amid the waving of flags and handkerchiefs over our heads by the ladies.
 
After this, ours, the 5th Maryland Volunteers, marched to the Maryland Institute, where we were presented with two handsome silk flags, one by the Union Ladies, the other by the Honorable Henry W. H. Hoffman, collector of the port.
 
Lewis came to see me on Tuesday last. He brought me some things to use, among them shirt, pen, ink, paper, envelopes, looking glass, and a comb. I think he is very kind to me. Sarah came to see me today. She is well and hearty. All are well at home and send their love to you all.
 
There are a great many sudden deaths in Annapolis. Joseph Barber died very suddenly some time since. Joshua Brown's son, John, dropped dead last week. Mary Hutton died suddenly, and old Mr. Schwan dropped dead this morning.
 
I must now come to a close. There is nothing more worth my writing to you. Write to me soon and often, for I cannot find time to write to you as often as I wish.
 
Give my love to all and a share for yourself. 
 
I remain your affectionate son, 
 
John S. Button
Company B, Fifth Maryland Volunteers