The following letter was written by Sgt. Robert Richard Thompson (1823-1864) who enlisted on 16 August 1862 in Co, H, 13th New Hampshire Infantry. A month later he was promoted to 1st Sergeant. On 1 June 1863, Robert was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Co. D and 13 months later promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Sadly, though he was “full in the faith all will come out right yet,” he was killed in the fight at Chapin’s Bluff, Virginia, on 29 September 1864.

Robert wrote the letter to his wife, Annie Lucia Baldwin whom he married in 1859. They had two girls prior to Robert’s enlistment.

Transcription

Washington D. C.
October 9th 1862

My Dear Wife,

We arrived here last evening & a hard journey we had of it. We left Concord last Monday morning about half past 5 o’clock. The regiment were entertained by the citizens of Nashua & a very fine entertainment it was too. The Colonel, Lieut. Colonel, one company and one officer of our company & the Adjutant of the regiment are in it so you see the Nashua people are much interested in the regiment.

At 1 o’clock p.m., we started for Norwalk to take the boat for Jersey City, thence to Washington direct by cars. We remained in Baltimore from 6 o’clock a.m till 11 o’clock a.m. We were from that time till 9 in the evening traveling 40 miles. I do not know the cause of delay. We had to lie on the soft side of a board last night. Today I learn we leave to report to Gen. Casey and to camp on Munson Hill on the south side of the Potomac. I believe we shall be near the 17th Maine. I will write more in detail after we are settled. I have not been in the city.

How much I have thought of you on my way here. How lonesome you must be! But my dear wife, do not mourn my absence too much. I am very well & contented.

Does darling Jennie enquire why Papa does not come to bed now? It makes my heart ache to think it is necessary to be separated from you, but believe me, I am full in the faith all will come out right yet.

Troops are coming in at a great rate. I must close now for I must prepare to leave. From your most affectionate husband, — Robert

Do not write me till I send you direction.