The following letter was written by Jairus T. Hammond (1839-1901), the son of Thomas Hammond (1799-1875) and Permelia Reynolds (1803-1891) of Wendell, Franklin county, Massachusetts.

Jairus was a 22 year-old mechanic when he enlisted on 12 October 1861 as a private in Co. K, 26th Massachusetts Infantry. He served nearly four years in the regiment, mustering out on 26 August 1865 at Savannah, Georgia.

Transcription

Headquarters Middle Military Division
Winchester, [Virginia]
January 9th 1865

Dear Sister,

I am going to write a letter tonight that is short and sweet and I will tell you at once what I want the next time any of you write to me. You direct your letters a little different. Direct to the 36th Massachusetts Battalion, Provost Guard Headquarters, Middle Military Division. We are detached from our brigade and division and I am satisfied for the brigade has gone to Petersburg and all of the mail that is directed to it will go to it and it will be a good while before it will get to us.

Well, what I am a going to say is this. The boys are a getting furloughs and we hain’t got paid yet. We may get it soon and we may not, but nevertheless, I want a furlough and I want you to send me twenty-five dollars so I can come home. Put it in a letter and I will run the risk. If you send any, hurry it along soon as possible by the return of the mail, If you have sent any money since the time you sent it in Betsy’s letter, it has gone to Petersburg and I had rather it would than to go myself. That is about all that I have got to say this time unless it is to tell you that I am well.

I am going to draw to a close now. Goodbye for this time. Yours in haste. This from your brother, — Jairus

To Abby Putnam

Directions

Jairus T. Hammond
Company B, 26th Mass. Battalion
Provost Guard Headquarters
Middle Military Division