Part 6 of 25 in Civil War Letters of Algernon H. Scribner. The date below is the letter’s historical date; the article retains the collection’s publication date.
Letter transcription
Arlington Heights January 1st, 1863
Dear Father & Mother,
I wish you a Happy new year I received your letter of the 25th last night and was glad to hear from you and that you was well or I suppose you was you did not write it is mighty cold here to night some signs of snow I have just been to Supper and am so full that I cannot write much I have been on inspection to Day and Mustered in for my Pay and I hope that it will come soon and so does the rest the Col is putting us right over the road we have to drill 5 hours a day 2 hours with knapsacks but I do not have to wear mine Bully for the Musicians there was a Fire in Washington last night the theatre was burnt and two of the Actresses was burnt or that is the report from there to day I was glad to hear that you was getting up Wood. I have expected that you would get out and the snow would be so deep that you could not get anny I am glad you have got rid of your Wagons and I should not get anny more of them on my hands you spoke of sending a pair of boots I can get them for $5.00 here and Bully good ones to and it would be cheaper then to have them come from home I got the skin Plasters and Stamps you sent me I believe I have not borrowed 25 cts since I came from Portland have not gone very steep yet and I hope I shant have to. I cant think of much to write and what I can think don't ammount to much but I am going to keep on writing because I want to hear from home as often as I can it is rather dull out nothing but Camp rumors to keep up excitement there was a Swuad of Rebbel Cavelry came in to Maryland and 8 pieces of Artillery. when the 25th Maine is ordered off they will begin to scater George Gage is taking over on the hill at the Convalescent Camp he looks tough and rugged. Bill Allen was here Drum Major of the 10th on his way home I wish to God that our D- Major was on his way home and Capt Doughty who is the bigest fool in the Co. it wont be well that we get into Battle if we do there may be an accidental discharge of a gun. it is getting late and I must close up write as often as you can and I will do the same
Your only Son Algernon H. Scribner Musician Co. C. 25th Maine Regt. Arlington Heights Virginia
Source
Transcribed by Jean F. Hankins in 2011 for the Otisfield Historical Society, with permission of owner Hal Ferguson of Otisfield. Original spelling, uncertain readings, and editorial notes are retained.
Read the original transcription (PDF, starting on page 6).