Norton, Levi W. to wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09006.09 Author/Creator: Norton, Levi W. Place Written: Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1861 Pagination: 8 p. : envelope : free frank ; 26.6 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy
Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Wool. Realizes that life is short and flying by so he deeply regrets being separated from his wife. Writes that he feels disconnected from his wife because they have been apart for so long. Wishes that the Union will soon be reunited and never part again. Hopes that he will return home soon and relieve his wife of the outdoor work and other chores. Keeps healthy by praying to God and being thankful for the food he eats. The band is serenading Mrs. Colonel Graham of the 5th Regiment. Asks if Mrs. Grant has returned yet. Inquires if Mrs. Grant ever misses him, if she wants him to stay away for three years, and what she would like him to do. Continues asking about other people from home and if they are well. Hopes to be home in May but warns his wife not to set her heart on it. Tells his wife to not mention his homecoming to anybody. When the date is certain, she may tell the children and Irene. Around 5AM, the Rebels fired away at a schooner. Writes that "the battery is located to pummel the rebels and if they should cross over, our Regiment would be obliged to protect the battery and keep any force from taking it." Page 5 marked as "No 2." Tells his wife to not be disheartened by the trials of Mrs. Bishop and to not fear present danger; she must "keep good heart and be of good cheer." Hopes that the turtle shell is alright and tells her to not let Irene boil it as it will split; he intends to clean it and fix it up someday. They have not heard any news that would require them to leave Maryland, but he wants to go to Washington for the winter. Thanks his wife for being good, faithful, and courageous during his absence. Some of their possessions from Baltimore have arrived in Liverpool, so on the Regiments of the Brigade has moved down to Liverpool. States that all the boys in the Regiment are generally in good health. The Regiment practices shooting everyday and is doing well. They fire 40 rods and the bullets travel between 600 feet and 300 yards. Very glad that the trunk arrived safely. Tells his wife that the envelopes she has been using are thin and so her letters arrive partially broken and open. Comments that it does not seem like winter there.
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