1862 CIVIL WAR Soldier Letter ROANOKE ISLAND NC 6th NH INFANTRY Died 12/25/62

Description

Civil War soldier's letter, 3 pgs., approx. 4-7/8" x 8", datelined
"Camp Stanton, Co. I, 6th Reg. N.H.V., Roanoke Island, N.C., April 7th 1862"
, from William B. Perkins, to his brother, Albon W. Perkins at Epsom, New Hampshire.
Written on
patriotic stationery
, with a large red & blue illustration of a Sailor, with flag, eagle, cannon and shield, and
"Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue"
below.
Includes the original envelope, which was posted in New York City on April 16 (the letter was carried there by boat from Roanoke Island). The stamp has been cut from the envelope.
The writer of this letter,
William B. Perkins
, was a 27 year old from Epsom, NH, when he was mustered into Co. I, 6th New Hampshire Infantry on Nov. 28, 1861. He
died of disease on Christmas Day, 1862, at Falmouth, Va.
, shortly after the Regt. fought at the Battle of Fredericksburg, and 8 months after writing this letter.
Good content, writing of his poor health, so that he couldn't go with his Company on an expedition that day. He writes that the Regiment is not healthy, and most of the sick men have had the
"back door trot"
(diarrhea) ever since they arrived on the Island.
Includes:
"Brother & Sister,
I received your kind letter today. Was glad to hear from you. I got one from Nancy. I got the town report and a number of papers from you - or I suppose they were - and got some envelopes.
Today you will excuse my writing, for I have been sick. It is over a fortnight since I have done any duty. Am weak now and my hand trembles very bad. Our company with three other companies have gone on an expedition, went today. I was sorry I was not able to go with them.
Malvin Sherbern is sick. He and I stop in the Capt.'s tent. I wait upon him some and take care of the things while the Capt. is gone. I can buy paper and envelopes here now. Have to pay thirty cents a quire for this paper and twenty five cents a bunch for envelopes.
This Regt. is not very healthy. A great many sick ones and the most of them have had the back door trot ever since we have been on this island. One died in our Co. a day or two ago. Bart Haynes is at the Hospital sick. He came down to camp today. He went back. He is not very sick.
It is rainy this afternoon. It will be bad for our boys on the gun boats. It will rust their guns all up. They had them cleaned up pretty bright.
It is getting dark. I shall have to light my candle....
How quick time flies. I have not seen any winter since I left home. I will close. Write soon. Good luck to you all.
From your absent Brother,
William B. Perkins"
Small piece cut from the blank bottom right corner of the last page.
Fine.
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