Goold, James (b. 1842) to Abby Goold
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.05.21 Author/Creator: Goold, James (b. 1842) Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 February 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Answers his mother's question about how many men guard a train at one time by stating "it depends on the number of trains, sometimes we only guard one train a day, and from that to six, generally three or four each train takes thirty men; the 11th regulars, and 5th Pa. reserves, also guard the trains." Asks her how the move to Albany is going, and how the children are adjusting. Reports that he and his brother Theodore went to the Methodist Church twice yesterday. Tells her that the "'Dutch Bill' that you sent, is beyond my comprehension, I do not know any use in arthimetic." Informs her that today his time in the army is half-up: "I hope that I will not have to spend the whole of the other half in the army, it does not seems so long since I went to Rochester to enlist, and as I look back, I do not think that I have had any harder times, on an average, than expected."
James Goold enlisted on 29 August 1862 at Macedon, NY as a Private. He was mustered into "F" Co. NY 25th Infantry. On 19 June 1863 he was transferred into "I" Co. NY 44th Vet Infantry.
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