14th Pennsylvania Cavalry - NEW

Item LTR-11849

Description

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


Hagerstown
 
October 21^st 1864
 
I have taken the first opportunity to answer your letter, which I received some time ago. I have been where I could get no mail nor send any, or I should have written before. So you must excuse my long delay. I am happy to inform you that I am well as usual, and hoping that this may find you enjoying the same. I will proceed with what little I have to say. We are laying at Hagerstown, Maryland, to recruit up, I think previous to making a raid. This is the first rest that we have had this summer, and we are to have only a short time to rest here. We have received no pay yet this summer. I have some money which I will send to you as soon as I can get into town to express it.
 
In regard to this war, you can hear more in the papers than I can tell you in a week. There is considerable consortium here in camp and in town in regard to the election this fall. Poll raising and stump speaking for both parties, and I should judge from what I can see and hear that it is about even. I think that George B. McClellan will never disgrace the chair that old Abe sets in. And if you that are at home will do the fair thing at the polls at home, the soldiers will do it here. At the state election that we held here, it went Republican to a man, as far as I could learn. All we are afraid of is being whipped at home, so do all you can for old Abe, and he is safe, and we will fight on. Four years longer if McClellan is elected. We will throw down our arms and let traitors and treason rule the land. That is the feeling of every true and loyal soldier of our army, as far as I can hear.
 
Well, I must bring my letter to a close. If my family needs anything, you furnish it for them until I can get my pay, and then you can satisfy yourself and oblige your friend.
 
Chas S. Jefford
 
P.S. Write soon as you get this and let me know how matters are going on and how the election is likely to go.
 
Charley 
 
Direct to Hagerstown, Maryland
14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company I.