Johnson, Charles to Fannie Schoonmaker
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02164.11 Author/Creator: Johnson, Charles Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 January 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.5 x 23.8 cm. Order a Copy
Printed on 56th New York stationery. Is fulfilling his promise that he made to her upon departing Neversink to keep her updated on all that is going on in his life. Would have written sooner, but there has been a lot of marching. Did not know when to write because another soldier in the camp has been writing her. Wishes he were home in Sullivan. It has not yet snowed significantly at the camp. Drilled for six hours the day before. Food consisted of "a good fist-full of salt junk & bread seasoned with a cup full of rice & molasses." The lucky ones have gotten some whiskey. Some have partaken in the whiskey to excess; a soldier in his tent died "with a canteen full" of whiskey around his neck (presumably from alcohol poisoning). His Sergeant Major also died. He was "respected by all and will be missed." The sisters and brothers of the deceased attended the funeral they held, and then helped bring the corpse home to Fishkill, New York. Small pox "has nearly left us." Wants her to write as soon as she can and send his well wishes to Sarah and the rest of her family.
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