Franklin County: Alvin H. Alexander to Sallie, September 23, 1863
Summary:
Alexander describes to his sister the slow mail pick-up in camp and talks about visiting
her in Callensburg. He also mentions the need for more soldiers.
Sallie
September 23rd 1863
Head Quarters Port Williams
Plymouth North Carolina
My Dear Sister Sallie
Your letter of the 3rd inst was received last
week, and I was very glad to hear from you for I had not had a letter from you
for some time. I would have written Sooner if I could
have Sent it. The mail has not gone from here for the last week. I thought I
would write this and have it ready when it does go. I suppose
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you have arrived Safe in old Callensburg. You will be quite a Stranger there
after being away so long. And no doubt you will be very lonesome for a while.
It must be very quiet about the old Town; I would like very much to pay you a
visit this fall. But I don't know whether I will or not. It is pretty hard to get away, and
we can only get from twenty to twenty-five days leave and that is a short time
to go so far. I would only have a few days to stay at home. It is now over a
year since I saw you all at home. And it seems like a long time. But I hope
that this cruel war will
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soon be over (not that I am tired of fighting for the Cause in which we are
Engaged) so that we may be able to return to our homes and Enjoy peace and
happiness once more. I suppose the young gents that just returned from the War have been telling you of the many thrilling adventures and
hairbreath escapes
which they have
made. I suppose there was quite an Excitement about the time the Draft was
made? No doubt there was a great many very uneasy. We have one consolation.
They can't draft us. Colonel Maxwell returned
last week but didn't bring any men with him. We will
not act any until the next draft. They are filling the Army of the Potomac
first. Tell
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Father that I am looking for a letter from him. I suppose Mother is busy
putting up Tomatoes. give her a kiss for me. I believe I have nothing more to
communicate this time. Much love to Father, Mother, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt
& reserve a good portion for you Self. Write Soon & often good byer.
Your affectionate Brother
Alvy
