Archive Record

Images

1 of 1977

View Image Metadata

Metadata

Catalog Number

1805.044.06.11

Collection

Moore Letters

Object Name

Letter

Title

Letter from William W. Moore to his Sister Mollie Moore

Scope & Content

William W. Moore writes his sister Mollie with a "heart full of sadness" because many of his friends and acquaintances died at the Battle of Gettysburg. He states that they died for a noble cause, protecting freedom and the constitution, yet is still much disturbed. His company is staying in Washington at the Navy Yard. He remarks that he had an ambrotype photograph taken and will send a copy home. He needs new shirts right away. William asks for them to be sent to Washington if no one can visit in person, which he understands would be difficult because it is harvest season. In a postscript, he also asks for a pocket dictionary to help with his spelling as he writes.

Dates of Creation

July 19, 1863

Date

July 19, 1863

Notes

The full transcription for this letter as follows:

Head Quarters 50th Reg [Regiment] NY [New York] V [Volunteers] Eng [Engineers]
Camp Near Navy Yard Washington
D.C.
July 19th 1863
Dear Sister Mollie,
It is with a heart full of sadness that I ever more endeavor to answer your welcome Letter from home. "Sad" [circled] on account of the recent disaster of the 126th Reg [Regiment] in the late Battle of Gettysburg. Many of my dear friends fell on that day. but they fell in a good and Glorious cause Even to have it come from so near at home, while Fighting to sustain the best of Countries with its freedom and Constitution! "My poor Friend Jimmy Fell."
"Alas" there are many more to follow before this wicked Rebellion [page break] is finished. Ah" well do I remember the day that I meet them at Poolsville they look so fine + hardy. and were looking foward to the day when we should once more enjoy the blessed privileges of "freedom." But Alas its not to be in this world. Remember me kindly to Mrs. Boyd + family, also that my sympathyies [sympathies] are with them.
I am pleased to hear that such a spirit of "Patriotism" prevailed throughout the people in the burial of the "Fallen Brave."
I presume you do feel lonely at home. I have hopes that this cruel war may close are long. We are driving them Rebs [Rebels] so at all points. We have been staying here since I wrote last and presume we shall remain here some time. as there are but two Companies here the remainder are with the Army.
I spent a day in the City last week. and called in Mrs. Osburn [page break] had a pleasant time staid [stayed] to tea. It seemed natural to sit down at a family table once more. [Miss] Celia Drak has been staying there some time do you remember her?
Charley must of had a tedious time on his journey. I hope the chance [change] of Climate will not make him sick. I have not heard from him, as yet.
I had an Ambrotype taken the other day which I will send in this. After pay day I will have some photograp-hs taken. "If all's well." I would like dearly to have Father + Mother come and see me, while we stay here. I cannot tell how long that will be. I suppose it would be almost impossible to get away just now, it being harvest time.
My supply of undergarments are about exausted [exhausted]. therefore I shall have to fall back for reinforcements.
I would like two Good shirts of [page break]
[inverted at the top of page three] Mary, Please [look] [Mr. L] letter over and see if there be any mistakes there in if so come [?] for I have no time to do so. And please have him…
a strong couler [color]. I prefer a dark something like those of Billiys they need not to be so expensive. Suit your-selves in regard to that. His were very nicely made and will last a long time. You had better get them up right away and send by Express, if you should not come yourselves so that I can get them while here. I was much pleased to receive Little Georgies Picture. I only wished that it were the original so that I could laugh + squeeze him. how would you like that Georgie? I received a letter from Aug [Augustus] yesterday I love to read his letters. Also two from you one to day [today]. "Well done" remember me kindly to [Julia] I have not forgotten the pleasant moments that I have spent while in her company.
I received a paper from Geneva with athis name wrote upon the paper Willie [Coreyell] I could not think for the Life of me who it would be from. But since learn from Aug [Augustus] letter that is was from a young lady that was stopping at his House. I still continue in fine spirits a Health as ever and now I will bid you an Affectionate Good Night much Love to All
To Mollie Your Aff. [Affectionate] Bro [Brother]
W. W. Moore

[At the top of page 1]
P.S. I have wrote a letter to [Mr. S] and think I will mail it with this. Oh" Mollie I wish that you would procure a small Pocket Dictionary "Websters" and send it to me. It would be very handy for me to refer to all times. I sometimes get confused in spelling while writing which causes mistakes at times. Somebody has borrowed my Diary as kind of me, the soldiers I have of for moving which I am very much to part with as it had all my travels +c in I would like to have them bring it back. remember me to All. Yours in haste. W. W. Moore

Extent of Description

1 leaf, 9.625" x 8"

Relation

Show Related Records...

Condition

Good

Legal Status

On loan from the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia.