CIVIL WAR LETTER - 50th Massachusetts Infantry - "Noble Heroes" Militia Etc...

Description

CIVIL WAR LETTER
Civil War Letter Written by Soldier in Company "A" of the 50th Massachusetts Infantry.
This Civil War soldier letter was written by William G. Hammond (1842-1898), the son of William Carroll Hammond (1813-1883) and Harriett G. Quimby (1816-1890) of Salem, Essex county, Massachusetts. William learned the carpenters trade from his father before enlisting when he was 20 years old as a private in Co. A, 50th Massachusetts Infantry on 15 September 1862. He served with that regiment until they mustered out of the service in August 1863. He then reenlisted for a limited time—90 days—with the 13th Unattached Massachusetts Militia Infantry during the summer of 1864 to man the coastal forts.
In 1864, when he reenlisted, 22 year-old William was described as standing 5 feet 4 inches on his toes. He had grey eyes and dark hair. He mustered in at Readville on 16 May, was promoted to a corporal on 26 May, and mustered out after 90 days.
Transcription
Addressed to Mr. William C. Hammond, Salem Mass.
,
7 Carleton Street
Fort at Clark’s Point
New Bedford
July 7th 1864
Dear Parents
I have received your letters from home all right—one the 4th and the other the 6th. I got the one you wrote yesterday last evening “quick business.” Also two papers—one from you and one from George Hill.
You must excuse the writing as I am writing under difficulties. It is 7:30 A. M. and everybody is moving about in here putting things in order. I have just given my clothes to the express man to go home. I had short notice so I did not write any note. The clothes are directed to “Per Savorys Exp.” With them you will find Andrew Peterson’s. He bunks with me. He and I will probably send them together. His folks will pay half. You need not send my blue shirt back. You will not find my drawers as they were all worn out and I had a new pair to put on. I like my shirts tip top. You will send the clothes back by the first of next week. Send Andrews too. Direct them to me.
We are changed to the 13th Co. now instead of the 12th. I may get home next week for two or 3 days. We had a tip top time here the fourth. The boys raised Ned the night before. In the day, the boys had a mock parade and review. They took down all the skedunks I ever saw. We had all the privileges we could have. Nobody left here but the guard.  We have got three boats here which were in use all day by the boys. Those that wanted to went up town but I went out to sail instead.
In the evening we had a great display of fire work rockets, roman candles, serpents, & as much as I would see if I had been at home. I am well and still at work carpentering. The folks are all well down town.
Tell George H. to come on. I hear that the militia is called out for 100 days. The cadets “Noble heroes” will have to go now I hope. I am glad I am here and my time half gone for “Soldiering is Played Out.”
I have no more to write, but will write Sunday. Tell George H. to write as I have not had a letter since week ago last Tuesday. What is the matter? Tell him I am much obliged for the paper. Excuse the writing for you understand. Give my love to all and accept some for yourselves.
From Corporal Will
TERMS
.00 postage in the United States.  We accept Paypal.
Postage combined for multiple purchases.  Please wait for me to send the invoice, otherwise you will pay a higher rate.
For International buyers, we utilize eBay’s Global Shipping Program.  We had too many packages sent via the post office go missing.  So we believe this program will be safer for us and for you.
We are members of the American Philatelic Society, the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, the Confederate Stamp Alliance and the Illinois Postal History Society.
We only sell genuine, original letters (no copies or reproductions).  Some of our letters have been transcribed and nicely presented for future genealogists and history buffs on the Spared & Shared blog.
We have been selling on eBay since 1998.   BID WITH CONFIDENCE !