The Civil War Letters
Suffolk, Virginia
Early October to November 14, 1862
|
The Civil War LettersSuffolk, VirginiaEarly October to November 14, 1862 |
|
October, 1862
Philadelphia must be drained of men for the war but there must be plenty of sick or wounded.
He feels that "the Rebels and us are pretty well matched" and "they have the best Generals and smarter Officers than ours". "Our Generals dont care wether they fight or not or wether they win or lose".
He is not in want of anything at present.
 |
October 13th, 1862
He has just returned from a scout and the rain poured down all the time.
Maggie writes that Brother John is alive and well somewhere near Harper's Ferry.
There is a lot of moving about in the Army of late and it is hard to find out where the different regiments are located at present.
He describes a small battle and a wish to spend Sunday night the way he used to spent them with her.
 |
October 23rd, 1862
Everything is quiet at present and he feels that they will winter there.
It has been one year since they met in Washington and time passes slowly.
He does not know what is to be gained by fighting or what he is now fighting for. Nobody knows. They are owed 4 months pay and it will be rather long acoming.
 |
October 27th, 1862
He is just back from a scout where they captured the Rebel pickets and some good horses.
It is raining with a strong wind and uncomfortable.
She has asked about her Brother William and he is first rate and enjoying good health. He continues to grow and is now taller than himself, and he is a good soldier.
She has sent him a dollar to last until payday next month.
 |
November 1st, 1862
He was shot at by Rebel pickets - 8 shots but none of them touched him or his 12 men. They drew sabers and charged and away went the Rebels, then the artillery commenced firing and they had to retire.
This is great country for applejack or apple whiskey but he was never fond of getting drunk.
He hurried her away from the soldier's camp a year ago because he loved her too well. She has it hard at the mill and maybe she can get along without the work if he sends all the money he can.
|
November 4th, 1862
He can sense a trace of tears in Maggie's last letter and tries to console her. He is proud to have a wife that can write the sweetest letter he has ever received.
He will be going on picket in the morning and must get to sleep.
|
November 14th, 1862
Lizzie has been sick and having trouble with getting her teeth.
McClellan has been replaced by General Burnsides - he is critical of the "Blow about McClellan" and feels that Burnsides should give up the job at once if he cannot do a better job than McClellan.
No pay yet and he hopes the war will be over before Uncle Sam is dead broke.
 |