Letter to Sarah Garibaldi (Poor), 1864

Language:

English

Scope and content:

Written near Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.

Other descriptive data:

Camp 27th Va Regiment Near Orange Court House

Dear Wife

I don't want you to send me anything by mail except letters, for it is so uncertain, if you want send me anything send it to me by hands or don't send it at all and I'll try to do without it, rather than to [lose, have]. I am entirely bare footed but I think I'll get shoes today or tomorrow, but as for socks there [none] to be drawn and haven't had a pair on me for two months. The winter is going along pretty well and after while it will be warm enough to go without socks, I hope, but if I had couple pairs now, and one of my comforts, I would be very glad. Whenever you get chance, to send it by hands, I want you to send me my Catholic prayer book, a pair of socks or two provide you can get them, and my comfort.

I wish I could come home on a furlough but I expect it will be way late in the winter or Spring before I'll get one, but my turn will come sometime, and you may look for me at home sometime this winter or next Spring. I would like to know how you all are getting along for something to eat, you all have no chance to make money to buy flour because it is so high, and there is nobody at home, to do any thing for you all so that I am afraid that either you are, or will have to suffer. I can not help you much, because my wages are only seventeen dollars per month. However there is about one hundred dollars coming to me next pay day, which is now due, of which I shall try to send you fifty, next opportunity I'll meet. You must try to get along the best way you can, for I cannot help you much and I'll come home as soon as I can.

Next Spring my term of service of three years will be over, but I expect that we will, all, have to stay in, for during the war, and there will be no men discharged from the service at all, except them unfit for duty, but if they, next Spring, give us chance to reinlist and join any command we please, I have concluded to come West. It seems to me that the war is going to be a long one.

The weather is very fine here today, we haven't had but two little snows, it snowed night before last about two inches deept but it is going away very fast. The ground is frost here very deep. You must give my best respects to George [Roore], George Gilbert, Thomas W. Rose, Lee H. B. Terry, to Mother, Sister Russia, to all the neighbors and keep a share for yourself, and I'll remain your affectionate husband untill Death

Mr. Gibson sends you his best respects and he is [well]. Mr Arington sends you his best repsects and he is well also, the boys are generally well. There is but very little sickness in the army.

Subjects:

Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th
Correspondence

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