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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp of Instruction Oct 30th/61
My own dear Mary:
I feel somewhat lonesome
this eve am thinking of old times and scenes. what
times those were the three years my home was
with you almost daily your face was before me
and now to lose sight of it makes it seem as
if I had lost something. do you know that you seem
dearer to me now than ever I cannot tell why
though I cannot deny the fact. Your note of
the 23
rd came last night you did not tell me
about the postage on those letters I am not
certain as they go free so if you have to pay
postage you must write me
Our pay day comes next Friday. I have been
to the Captains office and signed a roll to have
them pay you ten dollars. I thought that was
the best way to send it. I should like to have you
go to Vermont and would willingly
pay send you
money to go with. I could send you five dollars
more this pay day easily and may send it by mail
if we go from here as I think we will before
long the Army cannot much longer delay an
advance and attack. fighting will be severe
this winter without doubt. If you cannot
go to Vt. go out to Uncle Ebers and stay
you enjoy it so much better it would be a
great deal better for your health. and you must
take good care of yourself. I am willing
your Mother should
read open and send your
letters so you see I shall not scold her.
We have pretty cold weather but it is better
for us the health of the camp is first rate
I do not suppose there is a healthier location
for a camp in or about Washington
and every thing is kept neat and clean.
Billy McNiel is tough as possible. I did not
think he cared for Maria when we came away
but now I think he does. she writes to him
quite often. I believe my promise to Kate
and Anna is bound never to be fulfilled
my inclination is good enough but time
is the opposer. give them my best respect
also Uncle and Aunty if I do not write them
when the war is over I’ll tell them all
about it. I write to you just as it happens
try to make it average at least twice a
week at any rate you get as many as
all the rest of the folks. I dont know
what to do with your letters I cannot make
up my mind to destroy them and I do
not like to carry them with me perhaps I
will send them back to you.
Good night
With Much Love to all
Gardner
[On Envelope:]
Maj. Gen. M’Clellan
The War
For the Reunion
Miss Mary J. Baxter
Grand Rapids
Michigan
Manufactured by Reagles & Co. No. 1 Chambers Street N.Y.
