Civil War Letters From a Man to His Mother and Sister, 1862-1863
Item Details
Letter transcription:
Camp Casey, Arlington Heights, Va
Aug 28 1862
Dear Mother,
We are encamped near Washington, we can see the capital, Alexandria, Fairfax court
house and a large portion of the country. We can see 4 large forts, and about one hundred
thousand men. This is a very pleasant country. We have plenty to eat but the water is not very
good. The people here are very kind and treat the soldiers first rate. All we have to do is to
drill about 5 hours a day.
I am well contented. I think my health never was better. If I live to come home I never shall
work in the foundry again if I can get anything else to do. I have got everything i want now. I
like the officers very much. They look after the men and seem to take an interest in them. We
have got a perfect gentleman for a Colonel. His name is Wild. Every man loves and respects
him. I should have written before but I have been busy. We have been moving around, but
now we have got a place but I do not know how long we shall stay.
I wish you would send me a N. Port Herald once in a while. Give my love to all. Take
good care of yourself and the girls, write to me often and when you hear from father, send and
let me know. I must close now as the mail closes in five minutes.
From your son,
William
Give my love to Pam and the children, tell them they shall have a letter tomorrow
William
Mason Gen'l Hospital
Boston June 29th, 1863
Dear Sister,
I received your letter last night, and I suppose you will feel bad if I do not write to you,
as I wrote one to Franky, so I thought I would answer your letter, but I have nothing new to
write you. I can tell you all when I come home. I expect to come home on Friday night if I can.
I shall try hard to come. I have improved considerable since I was at home last as you will all
say when you see me, but I am far from being well. I am in hopes to come home for good
soon. I have had a letter from Elder Pike and he says he will do all he can. He has written to
the doctor. But I do not know what effected it has had.
I am in hopes it will get me off, the doctor seems to feel better for me for a day or two
past. So I think he is going to do something I know. I will write again, if anything turns up. I will
close now by wishing you a good night.
Give my love to mother, Franky and all
from your affectionate brother,
| Type | Letter |
| Period | Mid-19th Century, Antique |
| Date | August 1862 |
| Origin | United States |
| Additional Information | Letter from a Civil War era soldier, William, in Camp Casey to his mother, Eunice Woodman in Massachusetts; transcribed above |
Condition
- creases, folds and small tears; faded ink; toning.
Dimensions
- measures envelope.
Item #
ITMGK08791
