Franklin County: Jacob Christy to Mary Jane Demus, May [?], 1863
Summary:
Christy writes to his sister, Mary Jane Demus, soon after enlisting in the 54th
Massachusetts. He comments on the challenges of learning about military discipline.
Mary Jane Demus
Dear sister
i take my pen in hand to inform to you that I am well and all the rest of them are well we are very well please with soldiering but we won't have it so easy when we leave Boston we expect to leave about the first of June and it may be sooner for what we know for the regiment is nearly fill out David and george got there on Wednesday David said for to tell you that we didn't know when we would get any money but i don't think it will be very long we was all very glad to see them boys coming we was just on drill when they come and they was two of the boys was made go and get their knacksack and they had to wear them to punish them for looking around while they was in ranks when we are in ranks we are not allowed to look around or spit or to raise our hand we also got our arms this day they are springfield rifles which we have they are allowed to kill a great [unclear: disants] We don't like the climate at all for it is very cold out here now we have to wear our overcoats all day it that cold but i think when we go down south it will be warm enough and warmer then we wish to see it give my love to all the inquiring friend and now I will bring my letter to a close write soon and direct your letter to
Camp meiges readville
54 regiment
Company J
Massachusetts
Jacob E. Christy
to Mary Jane Christy
