Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865 [Collection of 50 letters of a soldier in the 189th regiment NY volunteers] [decimalized]

to Eleanor Hammond

Hammond to wife. Although the month of the letter is not known, the letter was likely written on August 22nd, 1864 based on what is known about Hammond's whereabouts during the war and that of the 189th New York. Hopes letter finds her in good health...

GLC09273.01

to Eleanor Hammond

Glad to hear from her that all is well. Was sent along with nine other men to unload some horses at the depot. Got dinner in town; did not return until dark. His captain has been looking to get into a new regiment. Samantha wrote that she wanted to...

GLC09273.02

to Eleanor Hammond

All is well, hoping this letter finds her in the same condition. Sailed out of Washington to go to City Point, where he is writing from now. Sailed down the Potomac River and out into the Chesapeake Bay, arrived at a Union fort at midnight. Stayed...

GLC09273.03

to Eleanor Hammond

All are "enjoying good healthy and laying in camp." Not much to do. Wishes he could see her and the rest of his family. Thirty miles from Petersburg. Draftees and substitutes get sent to the front line immediately. Has been "some time" since he heard...

GLC09273.04

to Eleanor Hammond

All are "kicking about." Has not had much to do. Joseph has gone with some men along the railroad to guard some men, but he will be back tonight. Is in the tent with Guernsey. The rest of the companies in the regiment are back in Washington, but they...

GLC09273.05

to friends

Here "safe and sound." Got here this morning, had to write as soon as possible. Met a lady from Elmira who worked for a Christian organization that "assisted me all they could." She accompanied him to the boarding house where he got breakfast. Had to...

GLC09273.06

to Eleanor Hammond

Glad to hear all is well. Sad to hear that [Silphey] had died and "sorry to hear that Charley was wounded." One of his comrade's guns had gone off, shooting him in the leg just above the ankle. The surgeon took the bullet out, and "it did not go...

GLC09273.07

to Eleanor Hammond

Glad to hear she is well; he is also well. Leg has improved so much that he can "[wear] my boot some and run some on it." The rest of his company arrived today to pitch tents for the winter. Sent ten dollars from Washington and twenty by express from...

GLC09273.08

to Eleanor Hammond

The weather has cooled recently, but it is still nice out. Leg has recuperated significantly and "has got almost well." Put a book in with the letter. Had meant to put it with an earlier letter but forgot. Put two pennies for Oscar in the letter he...

GLC09273.09

to Eleanor Hammond

It is raining very hard, but all at camp are in good health. Asks how the potato harvest went. Advises her not to sell any more hay after the last half ton, because "you may want it" later. If she does not want it, she can always sell the rest. If...

GLC09273.10

[sketch of "shanty"]

circa November, 1864. Hammond to wife. The first side of the sketch is a detailed drawing of the "shanty" Hammond will be living in throughout the winter. It is made of logs, and seems to be fairly well built. The shanty also includes a chimney and a...

GLC09273.11

to Eleanor Hammond

Received two letters from her last night, one dated 11/23/64 and the other 11/25/64. Happy she included four extra postage stamps in one of them. Leg is "almost well." Weather is "very warm." Has recovered from his cold. Beef for dinner tonight. If...

GLC09273.12

to Eleanor Hammond

Is in good health; cold has almost gone. Received a letter from her this morning. Joseph's health is very good. Started on a raid this past Tuesday. Marched five miles one day, 22 the next, and 20 the day after. Upon reaching their destination, they...

GLC09273.13

to Eleanor Hammond

The letter is printed on stationery provided by the U. S. Christian Commission. Is in good health. Received two letters from her this morning. One had some cough medicine in it. Got the receipt for his box. "I want to kiss you." Will be staying in...

GLC09273.14

to Eleanor Hammond

Cough is almost gone. Leg is a bit sore but is getting better. In all other respects his health is "tip top." Got another letter from her today. Was happy to see that it had four stamps in it. Received orders to build shanties today. Joseph and...

GLC09273.15

to Eleanor Hammond

Is very healthy: "cough is most well, my appetite is first rate, and I feel first rate." Leg is still a bit sore, but it is getting better. Fayette is healthy, but Joseph has the mumps. Eats all he can get at, and gets enough food. Moved about a mile...

GLC09273.16

to Eleanor Hammond

Hopes she is having a merry Christmas. Got some sausage, apples, and soft bread for breakfast. Most of the company left for picket duty, but he stayed behind with Joseph and ten others. It has been very wet and cold for the past three or four days...

GLC09273.17

to Eleanor Hammond

Wishes her a happy new year. Everyone is healthy except Joseph, who has a cold but is recovering. Glad to hear she is all well. Heard about the note from Armstrong; thought Betsey was going to let her have some money. Advises her that if Betsey will...

GLC09273.18

to Eleanor Hammond

Most everyone is healthy. Leg is feeling fine, but an ulcer sore has developed on it above the ankle in addition to the sores that were already there below the knee. Received three letters, the ninth, tenth, and eleventh she has sent, from her this...

GLC09273.19

to Eleanor Hammond

Letter is printed on U. S. Christian Commission stationery. All are well and hope the same is true of her and Oscar. His health is "the best that it has been since I was shot." Received his fourteenth letter from her the night before. Urges her to...

GLC09273.20