Archive Record
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Metadata
Catalog Number |
1805.044.03.11 |
Collection |
Moore Letters |
Object Name |
Letter |
Title |
Letter from Will Moore to his Mother |
Scope & Content |
On New Year's Eve, Will Moore writes home that he received his mother's last letter and urges her to write to him more because receiving a letter from home gives him great pleasure. He sentimentally reflects on how fast 1864 went by and how much he has seen since the start of the war. He reflects on how many families have been torn apart by brave men falling before the enemy. He tries to encourage his mother by saying he will be home next year. He also writes that he is in charge of his brigade's wagon, and that his regiment successfully repelled a Confederate attack. He worries there will be harder fighting next year, but has hope from the disheartened Confederates that desert to Union lines. He tells his mother he will see if it is safe for her to send him a box, and requests that his mother write him when she hears from Hugh. |
Dates of Creation |
December 31, 1864 |
Date |
December 31, 1864 |
Notes |
The full transcription for this letter is below: Camp 119th Regt [Regiment] PV [Pennsylvania Volunteers] December 31st 1864 My Dear Mother, I received your letter yester-day and was very glad indeed to hear from you so soon again. as I told you before nothing gives me more pleasure than your letters, so do not fail to write at least once a week, or oftener if you can. I always feel so much better after reading your letters. It has been raining and snow-ing all day long, and to night [tonight] the wind [whistles] around our tent and makes one draw up nearer the fire. I am staying with the Regt. [Regiment] but am still in charge of the Brigade wagon, have regular days appointed for [assisting] to the Brigade, I have good comfortable quarters, as good I think as any in the regiment, so I think I can spend a night pleasant [winter] if the Rebles [Rebels] only let us alone. This mor-[page break]-ing [morning] we were aroused from our quiet slumber by the dreaded long roll, we [jumped] from our beds and soon [fround] by the yelling and fire-ing [firing] that our picket line was attacked, our regiment was soon out and in position in their rifle [pits], but fortunatly [fortunately] they were driven back before they made much progress, but not till [until] they had captured several men on picket belonging to the Jersey Brigade of our Division. It is said that they made the charge, not to capture the men, but the rations, over coats, our blankets, and knapsacks belonging to the pickets, if so they succeeded well for most of them lost every thing [everything] they had[s], some of the men belonging to the differant [different] regts [regiments] came into our regt [regiment] without hats or coats, being [roused] up from sleep only to find the rebles [rebels] on top of them, and not having time to gather up their things, at one time from the fireing [firing] and yelling I thought they were right on top of us and that [page break] we would have to leave of our good homes to fall in the hands of the Johnnies, but our brave boys were too much for them, and they hade [had] to get back. Well mother dear, another year has almost flown by. it seems but yesterday sinc [since] 1864 was a new year, yet it has been a long, long time, and your boy has seen many changes sinc [since] then, many familiar faces are missing from among his comrades, they have fallen among the front rank facing the enemy as only brave men can, I was thin-king to night [tonight] how many mothers of the north there were who this time last year were looking fondly forward to the time when their hearts were would be gladened [gladdened] by the return of loved absant [absent] ones, how many of those same mothers hearts are breaking this new year, vainly wanting for the return of those loved ones who will never come, who[s] places will ever be vacant. Oh war cruel war. but mother I must not make you feel sad, but [PAGE BREAK] rather I should strive to make you glade [glad], only think that God willing next new year I will be with you, and hope Hugh also I think the war is nearly over, I hardly think this Army will see much more hard fighting. The grand successes of our Armies elsewhere are dishearting [disheartening] the rebles [rebels] very much, deserters are contin-ually coming in and representing great dissatisfaction among the Rebles [Rebels], Oh how I hope that before this time next year we will have peace. In regard to a box I would rather wait and see if those of the regt [regiment] who have sent for boxes get them safe, when they do I will let you know, when you hear from Hugh again write and let me know, but I must close by wishing you a happy new year, with much love to you and all at home I remain your affectionat [affectionate] Son Will |
Extent of Description |
1 leaf, 15.2" x 10" |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Letter written in pencil on one large paper folded vertically in half, and with One horizontal fold with some light brown stains along the crease. The bottom of the paper is unevenly ripped. Some light brown smudges on the front left page. |
Legal Status |
On loan from the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia. |
Multimedia Files |
Click here to view the full transcription of the Moore Letters Collection. |
People |
Moore, Will Moore, Hugh |
Search Terms |
Moore Letters Johnnies 119th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry |