Franklin County: Franklin Rosenbery to John Abraham
Rosenbery (father), March 28, 1864
Summary:
Rosenbery ponders how much longer he will have to serve in the army. He
anticipates troop movement and action, and he is willing to remain in service
until war's end, if he must. As in earlier letters, Rosenbery vows to meet his
family in heaven if he does not survive the war.
March 28, 1864
Camp Near Stephensburg, Virginia
Dear Father-
This morning I seat myself to inform you that I am well at this time. Hoping that these few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessings of health.
It is middling pleasant here this morning. The snow that had fell on the 22nd is all gone. It was about 1 foot in depth.
Everything appears quiet at present-not knowing how long it will remain so it is reported that The Army of the Potomac will only have 3 Corps in it-that will be 2nd-5th-6th. The 1st and 5th Corps to be broken up and put into 3 Corps. Then it will be called 3 Grand Divisions. Our Regiment will be taken out of the 3rd Brigade to put into the 4th Brigade but we will still be in the 1st Division of the 2nd Corps.
Now this is the talk and the preparation is made to that effect. You may direct your letters to the 1st Division 2nd Corps. As I should have said, direct them as you did before only leave out the Brigade till further orders.
You may my subscription to John A. Horn. He can tell you how much it is. I think it is 2 dollars.
About me getting home in 9 months. Looks very doubtful. But according to the Amendments of the Conscription Act they cannot hold us any longer than 9 months in the field and 3 month to do state duty. Now, look at it, a substitute is only good for one year. How can they compel us to stay longer than 1 year? It is against the Constitution to make a draft for 3 years and then the trouble is this. There is no sign of us getting bounty yet. Well, they may just do as they please. If I must stay 3 years or during the war, I can do that if I live. I have learnt how to make myself contented. The time will soon roll around and time will reveal all things.
I have not heard anything from Abraham and Ashway since I got the letter from them that I sent to you but I hope that they are all well.
Now, I will say that I can't promise about writing very regular as we will soon begin to move about some but I write as often as I can conveniently.
I have not particulars to write at this time more than I am still trying by The Grace of God to follow the meek and lowly Lamb. Let come what will, trusting that if I never meet any of you on earth, I will meet you at the right hand of God in Heaven.
Write soon. Take good care of your health. No more at present but remain your son till death.
So farewell for this time.
Franklin Rosenbery
We expect to be paid soon. Then I will send you all the money that I will have to spare. You need not
send my watch till I write to that effect. I am
still living in hope of seeing you all again e're long.
Give my respects to all inquiring friends.
Franklin Rosenbery
