Part 14 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
Chantilly, June 10, 63 Father -
As i have n opportunity this evening i take this few moments to write you a few lines to let you know that i am well and trust you are the same have not had a letter from you for a long time but am in hopes to get one to night. If the mail comes we are having a good time about this time got Paid off Sunday 2 Months Pay and am in hopes the next will come soon and the muster out with it[.] The Col. told us last Sunday that it was the last Inspection on this side of the Potomax. have been Boxing our knapsacks so that they will look in good shape to go into Portland.
The Boys are very scared of Old Mosbys Cavalry they say that he is Strolling around our Pickets and shot was fired at him last night which did not take much effect it was so dark and rainy they could not take anny aim they are now takeing in a Rebel a rusty old fellow that is so[.] well the weather is quite warm now but not so hot as it was in May i am hardly able to keep warm nights with the blanket and days warm as the Devil so to speak the Boys are all [well] but Simon and robbins we lost one of our boys last week Benjamin Bartlett from Raymond one of the best boys in the Company he was Col. orderly some getting dark and I cannot think of much more to write the mail has come and i will so and see if i have got annything - yes a letter from home - sorry that you are sick hope you will get well soon when you get my Coat look out for Creepers i want to get on a Cittizens suit soon and see it it wont stop a little scratching i suppose that Grandmam got $1000 good thing got poor folks well I guess that i wont write much more i shall have the more to tell when i get home hoping to see you all well in a few days i will close up bidding you Good bye.
From your son Algernon Scribner P.S. I will write again before we start for Washington i guess that you need not write again we think that we shall start from here next munday if nothing happens
A.H.S.
End of first deployment.
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 13).