The following letter was written by 2nd Lt. Abraham V. Davis (1838-1891) who enlisted on 23 October 1862 at Johnstown, New York, in Co. D, 153rd New York Infantry. He was promoted to a 1st Lieutenant on 6 March 1863 and transferred to Co. B on 5 June 1863. He was then made the Adjutant of the regiment on 1 December 1863. He was promoted to Major of his regiment on 15 September 1865 but never mustered at that rank.

Abraham (or “Abram”) was born in Mayfield, Fulton county, New York. He married Catherine Veeder (1846-1931) in 1881 and died ten years later in Canajoharie, Montgomery county, New York.

Prior to the Civil War, at the time of the 1860 US Census, Abraham was enumerated as a farm laborer on the farm of J. C. Leonard in Johnstown, Fulton county, New York.

Transcription

Alexandria [Virginia]
April 3, 1863

My friends,

Your letter bearing date March 21st has just been received. I am so mad since I read it that I can hardly contain myself. It is the first time that I ever had the name of being lazy to my knowledge however much I might have deserved it. Well Capt. David H. Cuyler might have said so for a man that talks as much as he does must naturally say some things that are not true. I will tell you about how things are conducted in our company so that you can judge for yourself. The Captains do not go on picket duty. They perform the arduous duty of Officer of the Day. That is, they go to bed and sleep about as well as though they were not on duty at all. Our captain also goes after wood each day which takes about six or right hours. I have been on picket lately every other day, have to go the rounds every night at 12 o’clock and get little or no sleep and then when I get a night’s sleep in camp, I have to get up for roll call in the morning. I have not been excused a day from duty since I was sick.

Perhaps [Capt. David] Spaulding does not like it because the officers of his company are not promoted. I have been recommended for 1st Lt. in Co. B. I knew there was a vacancy in the company but did not intimate to anyone that I wished to be promoted. The first intimation that I had, it was from the Colonel [McMartin] himself. He told me his intention, giving me to understand at the same time that he did not do it as a personal favor but for the good of the regiment. He has sent my recommendation to the Governor. I expect to hear from it in a few days.

George came over the day before yesterday and returned to his regiment again last night. He is well but not as fleshy as he has been. I had almost given up hearing from you. I don’t see why your letter was so long on the road. I received a letter from Willard the other day that was full as long coming as yours. I would like to come home and help Mother put down the carpets—especially the new ones—but don’t think that it would be policy for me. I try and behave myself as well as I did at home but do not seem to get much credit for it there though I think I do here. I have nothing now to write you except that we were called out in line of battle the other night but it did not amount to anything serious.

I sent $300 dollars home with Doctor Peake the other day. You will undoubtedly receive it before this reaches you. I came off picket this morning and now have to take charge of the company on inspection so I can write no more at present. My love to all. Yours respectfully, — A. V. Davis

P. S. I will answer Willard’s letter as soon as I receive it.