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Ten 144th New York Infantry ALsS 1862-65

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Ten 144th New York Infantry ALsS 1862-65
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Ten Civil War letters from Charles C. Siver of the 144th New York Infantry, Company F, to his brother. Siver was commissioned into the 144th New York on 27 September 1862 and promoted to Captain before mustering out on 25 June 1865 at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Letters detail many battles, including a major offensive in Charleston. An early 8 December 1862 letter reads in part: ''…The wind blows the tent so and makes such a jossle I cannot make a straight mark. I wish I could get a good boy to wait on me Cannot get along with one…'' A 12 August 1863 letter describes operations against Charleston: ''…I am stationed in the part of the country whare all eyes are turned at present / Charleston…our Batteries are continually throwing shell out and into Forts Sumpter and Wagner. Neither responded but keep a very wise look out. Cummings Point battery respond as often as 7 times per minute We have a line of fortifications some 400 yards direct in front of Fort W and only 300 yards distant. This was all thrown up in one night when the Rebs should have been stirring to present. This line of works are very strong and when they 3 three hundred pound cannon opens upon it will be obliged to surrender. It cannot do otherwise. I have my Tent just on the Sea Short of Folly Island 4 miles from Sumpter. You cannot imagine what a romantic place this is. I have plenty of Palmetto trees growing as thick as possible near my tent, and what splendid shade they make. If possible I would send you a small leaf but cannot as think leaves are from 3 to 7 feet in length…'' A 14 January 1863 letter describes the difficulty of being a Quarter Master: ''…This confounded Q.M. business keeps me on the go all the time when I am not in the saddle and on the road to Washington I am writing up my accounts with the Government. And I can tell you it is no easy job to make out a balance sheet of $400,000 dollars. Well I have just done the thing and come out ahead some 50 dollars…'' A 28 July 1863 letter reads in part: ''…Yours I received last night with six other letters dated from July 1st to the present date…All letters that I received gave me any quantity of news as I had heard nothing about the world in nearly one month. I am poisoned again with joy…If we march tomorrow I will let some one ride my horse and will go aboard the ambulance. We just received an official dispatch that Morgan with his murderous band have been captured. think the south will make a proposition for Pease soon. this is the general opinion here in the Army. Yesterday we Captured some 700 Rebs. at Chester Gap…On the 8th day of July 1863 took up line of march for Barhamsville Va. Marched that day some 24 miles through very heavy rain and mud anckle deep…boarded the Cars for Frederick Ml. when we had a grand Smash up wounding some 40 men. I was siting in the rear Seat and the car that was run into by the locomotive…I dreaded the sight of VA. Maryland is such a paradise beside it…I believe fighting will soon be over and we all can return home…'' A 7 February 1864 letter reads in part: ''…I think I must weigh some 200 about now I am so very fat and healthy…'' An 18 October letter with no year reads in part: ''…Mr Bradford seems to think Father will be elected this fall. They have got hold of it in the store and call me Senator etc but I am enough for them. I think if they are mostly Blacks and Fools thare is some good democrats in the store all the smartest…'' An 18 September letter with no year reads in part: ''…I wish you would draw off the following peicis of Music 'Bonaparts March' 'Old Whiskey' 'Opera Reel' 'Rosin the Bow' and as many as you have time and send down to me draw it them off…'' A 12 March 1865 letter reads in part: ''…Avoid fast young men do not for once allow them to seduce you in their society for once it is hard to break off friendships when once formed. I have had more experence in these matters than you Robert, have many times Ered and I Can see it now…'' A 20 September letter with no date reads in part: ''…You must begin to think by this time that I have allmost entirely forgotton home and my friends but it is not so. For I have thought of friends and home oftiner for the last few weeks than any period of my absense…'' A 10 January 1864 letter reads in part: ''…Does Mary Ever enquire for me or has she entirely forgotten that there is such a person as Chas C Siver. It makes but very little difference to me. I am just as independant as ever and will ask no favors of such persons. I feel the same towards her as of old but can forget her should she wish it…'' Letters measure 4.75'' x 7.75'' to 8.5'' x 12'' and total 20pp. A nice collection in near fine condition.