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Regiment: 26th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Alexandria, VA
February 21st 1863
Friends at home and why not I. Why that is a great question to ask you why I ain’t at
home. Because you are interested at fighting for the niggers. No not so much to fight
for the union and not for them it be niggers. Well enough of that by the by. How do
you all get along now days dear folks at home? I suppose you are all well. I am quite
sure that I am. Father I don’t know what to ask you nor what to tell you. There ain’t any
news of much account. No boys have left off with the secession that time in the city. I
like to have cried at laughing at all the secesh girls make up faces at us boys when
we wink our eyes at them. It makes them so mad. It pleases the boys though. It’s
awful muddy here this morning but here is good for it. There was one boy here that the
critters run from. The mud and snow was about seven foot deep at the level and in the
hallows it was deeper. Well Father I haven’t got that hat yet that you sent but suppose
it’s in the city. But I am afraid that some of the stuff will be spoiled. I expect it here
today. Father I have got my pay and sent $25 dollars to you by express. Sent $20 to
Julia, Migram sent $.10 and William sent $35 to his father. Why didn’t you send me $35
dollars to George Wall? Father, I can tell you why I didn’t send more is because I spent
it . Ain’t that reason enough. We are to be paid off again the first of next month but I am
afraid that it won’t come till next winter. Father I have received six or seven letters from
home. I have received some twenty five or thirty since I left Jackson. That’s not bad. I
got two this morning. You can guess where one came from and the other came from
sister Hannah Chalker. My sister I was very pleased to read your good letters. I am so
full of fun that I don’t know what to write half of the time. Ain’t that too bad. Hannah, I
wish you all well and long lives and everything that you can think of. I must close soon.
Please write soon to me that so far from home and about all its pleasures. I must close by
signing myself your affectionate son and brother.
Geo. N. Chalker
Olle B. Chalker
Maryann Chalker
Andria M. Handel
Hannah H. Chalker
And all
George Chalker