The Civil War Letters
Southeast Virginia
April 12 to May 19, 1864
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The Civil War LettersSoutheast VirginiaApril 12 to May 19, 1864 |
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April 12th, 1864. Portsmouth, VA
They have moved back to an old camp and the rain made it a difficult move as the condition of the roads was very bad.
He says he can get along without the $75.00 but if she has it, she should send it. He likes his new position very well and is enjoying being out of the ranks and quite a gentleman now.
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April 16th, 1864. Portsmouth, VA
She is upset due to his being in for three more years but he wants her to know that he has the privilege to resign so he is not as an enlisted man bound. If he gets tired of the service he can put in his resignation and come home.
He does not want to cause her misery - he deserved promotion after being a good soldier for 3 years and would do anything to get out of the ranks.
If he is not home for good this summer he will be home on leave, so it will not be a great while before she may see him.
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April 22nd, 1864. Portsmouth, VA
He has received the money by Adams Express and is happy that her last two letters were more cheerful as he felt kind of bad when he received her first letter after his appointment. Brother William has no notion of re-enlisting.
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April 29th, 1864. W. Portsmouth, VA
They are reduced to light marching order and have packed up everything else and placed it in a warehouse in Norfolk.
He sends 2 pictures and is pleased she has sent him such a good account of Lizzie.
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May 19th, 1864. W. City Point, VA
They left Portsmouth May 5 and from that day until today they have been in the saddle 20 hours out of every 24, and some days as many as 3 fights.They have cut all the Railroads running South from Richmond.
Maggie has moved home as this is easier for her than keeping boarders. He tells her not to worry if she does not hear from him as he has no way to write when they are behind enemy lines.
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