The Civil War Letters
Southeast Virginia
January 26 to April 8, 1864
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The Civil War LettersSoutheast VirginiaJanuary 26 to April 8, 1864 |
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January 26th, 1864 . In the Woods Near Williamsburg, VA
They were turned out of Winter Quarters to rough it in the open fields near Yorktown. They were sailed in transports to get there. They are going to send all the re-enlisted men home so the rest will have their hands full.
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February 3rd, 1864. Near Williamsburg, VA
It is wet and almost too cold to write but he is making a writing desk of his knee. It is so cold he has upset his ink bottle and will have to stop writing. Seven months will soon slip round.
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February 10th, 1864. Near Williamsburg, VA
He has returned from a scout near Richmond where the Rebels were too well posted for his Regiment to cross the Chickominy River and get to Richmond.
She has stayed up until 11 o'clock cooking for someone and he advises her not to make a slave of herself for other people. He is coming home this summer and will expect to see her looking as fine and plump as ever.
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February 18th, 1864. Williamsburg, VA
Maggie is not well. She has sent him a Valentine. He will keep her in remembrance. There is no fear of him forgetting her.
He sends her $25.00 in the letter as there is no Express office around - a risk so she must let him know when she receives it.
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February 28th, 1864. Williamsburg, VA
There are 14 men on furlough to Philadelphia right now and they have received 31 recruits. The officers are holding out great inducements to get him to re-enlist. They ensure him a Lieutenant's commission in less than 3 months but he prefers going home when his time is out. Re-enlisting is something he will never do.
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March 8th, 1864. Williamsburg, VA
It is a very wet day as there is always some type of weather this time of the year. His time is nearly down to five months. He says to not send any books as he has plenty to do even though it is all quiet at present.
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March 27th, 1864. Williamsburg, VA
He received five dollars from her and expects the paymaster soon. There are 114 in the Company now. He is now the Orderly Sergeant and has quite a busy time of it with such a large Company.
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April 8th, 1864. Williamsburg, VA
He has been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Company "E" and "don't it make you feel big", but he has asked her to send $75.00 for his new rig as he has no money. He promises to pay it back with interest and if she has not got the money to go to Uncle John who will lend them any amount for him.
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