Part 25 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
Capt. Whitman Sawyer to Daniel M. Scribner, 17 Sept. 1864 [no envelope] HQtrs, Co. C, 30th Regt. Me Vols Bolivar Heights Virginia Sept. 17 1864
Friend D.M. Scribner, Sir, I was very glad last night at receiving from you a long looked for letter. I wrote you at Algiers La. the 6th of July giveing you the particulars of Non's death etc. since that time I have heard nothing from you. Was at loss to account for the silence did not know whether you recd the letter or not, but my mind is now at ease in that respect.
In regard to the money affairs I will say that Isaac Rand is with the co. and says he borrow'd the money of Ricker but he thinks Ricker had it of Non. The Regt. has not been paid yet. When it it I will have the bill sure and send it to you by mail or express as you may direct.
The watch Ricker has got, says he bought it, gave eighteen $18.00 dollars for it. Whether he did or not I am unable to say, I had him (Ricker) take care of Aln the last week of his life and although I used to go to the Hospital every day to see how he got along I did not enquire into his private affairs thinking he would not be sick long.
Ricker is at present away from the Co. on detached service is Hospital Guard at [?] Hook, about 4 miles from this place, has not been with the co. for 2 weeks, when he comes I will enquire into the watch affair and if he has been playing sniydom [?] I will crucify him.
The clothes you spoke of are in N.O. La. When our Regiment left Franklin last march on the Red River campaign all clothing that the boys did not want to carry was packed in boxes and sent to N.O. among the rest was a dress coat and a pair of pants for him. Whether the Regt. will ever get the Boxes or not I can't tell, but if they do I shall get the cloths and will send them to you with pleasure.
Algernon's Grave is in Algiers near the Govt. Depot, across the River from New Orleans there was a board put at the head with his named carved on it. Whether you will be able to find it or not is doubtful. I suppose you know more of travelling than I but, I will say to you that it will be more of a job to go to N.O. and get the remains than you have any idea of there will be a heap of red tap to deal with and that is the worst kind of dealing a man has. I know by experience. Our Regt is healthy not hardly a man sick. We are situated about one mile from Harpers Ferry the only duty we have is Picket and that is not very hard.
I will send the little slip of paper back as you directed. If at any time I can give you any further information in regard to Non's affairs, I shall be most happy to do so. Please remember me to your Father and Mother. I often think of the good old people and should be very happy to see them. Hoping to hear from you again soon, I am,
Yours truly, Capt. Whitman Sawyer Co. C, 30th Regt. Me, Vols. Washington, DC D.M. Scribner, Otisfield, 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 26).