Part 10 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
[Sheet of stationary of which letter is written is headed with rather patriotic picture of bust of George Washington surrounded by flags and an eagle and cannon balls and sword. Under this are the words: 25th Regiment Maine Vols., Colonel F. Fessenden. Company __]
Camp Tom Casey, March 1863 Dear Father,
I received your letter last night and was very glad to hear from you and that you was well. I am well all except a cold I have had about a week. I do not know hardly what to write as there is no news here. there was some fun down to Fairfax last Night in which there was about 45 Horses and Gen. Stoughton and his staff was taken if they keep on they will be in here next time. They will get all they want before they get out of it quite a number of officers have been taken by this regiment it is pretty cold here although there is no snow but mud enough to make it all up[.] we got Paid two monts pay or from the 1st[?] of Sept to the 31st of October I guess that I shant send anyything home as I want to pay up my bills I have got me a pair of boots [2 words illegible] at Alonzo Colwell have 5.00 to get home with which he will give to you if [3 words illegible].
I do not think the war is anny nearer a close than when it first began you think I do not get such Bief to eat as we have I guess or to hope you don't anny way I would like a smite of Cider. They have a great time about the temperan society they would not pay us off until we signid it but the boyes get pretty balmy I tell you I hird that Symonds had got home but it wont be anny better for him he ran away from the general Hospital at Philadelphia on a Discharge from the Hospital. I cannot think of much to write that will interest you that barel of Apples came last night but they was worse than none not more [than] 12 out of the barrel that was good all torren and froze tell Anna that I cannot send one this time a[s] I cannot get anny [one word illegible] but will soon. [two words illegible]
Your truly Algernon Scribner Co. C. 25th Me
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 10).