Civil War Union Soldier’s Letter – Author Unknown

Description

Civil War Union Soldier’s Letter – Author Unknown
Offered for your consideration is a Civil War letter written in pencil by a Union soldier named
“Fred”
in a
“Camp near Falmouth”
on
“Feb. 28”
(year not stated, though probably 1863). He writes that
“… I was over to the 146
th
yesterday … Co. D in that reg. can now turn out but about 25 muskets, & I suppose that is the average through the reg, … We have a rain every other day which keeps things swimming, also one or two snow storms a week __ the rest of the time pleasant & warm __ not enough pleasant weather tho’ to dry up the mud … Washington’s birthday was rainy. We were intending in our reg to have his farewell address read & sing some patriotic hymns, but it was altogether too wet. The artillery did all the celebrating …”
. He goes on to describe a Confederate raid causing his unit to be called into line. He states that
“… Last Wednesday night about 9 oclock the reg. got orders to fall in in fighting trim immediately __ They went out to the picket line to strengthen it, I only got back today (Saturday). The cause of this movement was a raid by the Rebel Cavalry on our cavalry pickets, who came flying in onto our infantry pickets scared terribly … The infantry back here in the camps were set in motion, & expeditions of cavalry started out to bag the rebels __ Unfortunately the Graybacks went back over the river too soon … As a rule the rebels are well mounted our chaps poorly … The miserable old plugs, which Uncle Samuel furnishes his mounted warriors fail to connect in the time of need …”.
Apparently, the recipient of this letter had expressed some views which were detrimental to the government, as he continues
“… You are altogether too bitter on our government … Granting that the Government has made serious mistakes, as all are liable to, who travel an unknown road … our opposition at the North, gives aid & comfort to the Confederates, -- Through that they see a clear field for a Separate Nationality; not reconstruction … Our danger is not in the Radicals carrying things too far, but Democrats stopping short …”
. Sadly, other than his first name, the writer of this letter is unknown, as is his unit. Several additional soldiers are mentioned, so it may be possible, that with diligent research, the writer and unit may be located.
As noted earlier, this interesting missive was written in pencil, virtually all of which is visible and mostly legible. One horizontal and two vertical folds are present, with minor weakness at the horizontal. Overall light toning is noted across the entire surface, somewhat more pronounced on the back page. Several foxing spots and a few stains are mentioned for accuracy, as these do not adversely affect the legibility or desirability of the piece. Measuring approximately 7.75 x 9.75 inches, this letter would make a great addition to any Civil War collection or research project.  There will be .95 for postage and insurance.
American Coins & Collectibles
Shreveport, La