The Civil War Letters
Suffolk/Portsmouth, Virginia
May 19 to June 20, 1862
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The Civil War LettersSuffolk/Portsmouth, VirginiaMay 19 to June 20, 1862 |
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May 19th, 1862
They were ordered
to Norfolk, then by Steamer to Portsmouth. They go out on scout in the pouring
rain and are wet to the skin for several days.
They were ordered to Suffolk where all the people are "rank Rebels, especially the girls". They made faces at his fellow soldiers.
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May 29th, 1862
He has been on scout
and picket duty. He lies down on the wet ground and has dreams of home.
No pay. Please send postage stamps.
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June 1st, 1862
There has been fighting
and the Captain and 8 members of Company E have been killed or carried off as
prisoners of war. They were surrounded by the Rebels while on scout.
Maggie is lonesome and is calling the Baby Lizzy. He is not ashamed of the child and is far from falling in love with a Southern girl.
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June 10th, 1862
He has been on scout
for 3 days and took a Rebel Colonel and several others prisoner. He spent the
night in a church due to rain.
They went to Blackwater on Sunday and destroyed and cut loose all the ferry boats. He says jokingly that this is the way they keep the Sabbath Holy.
He has asked for postage stamps. She has sent a likeness of their child but he has not received it.
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June 13th, 1862
They have been moving
about so much that the mail cannot keep up.
He sends $25.00.
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June 18th, 1862
He has gone to Norfolk
and had his picture taken. There are fancy women there.
The regiment is in several different locations now.
He speaks of his love for her.
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June 20th, 1862
They have returned
to Suffolk and he has sent a few things home because he has too much to carry
around. She must pay for it.
He still has not received the likeness of the baby.
They are encamped near a meadow and laying in the grass is like being in a featherbed.
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