1865: Adam Moses Hallidy to his Wife

The following letter was written by Adam Moses Hallidy (1837-1910) of Whippany, New Jersey to his wife of almost a year, Margaret (“Mack”) McClelland (1839-1920). Adam was the son of David Hallidy (1804-1856) and Maria Ann Gamble (1813-Aft1865).

Adam enlisted on 26 February 1862 as a private in Co. K, 2nd District of Columbia Infantry.

*Union Black Soldiers marching in Procession of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural on 4 March 1865*

Transcription

Briggs Barracks ¹ near Alexandria, Va.
March 5th 1865

My dear wife,

I arrived safe in Washington yesterday at half after 11 o’clock A.M. just in time to hear Father Abram deliver his inaugural address and saw him sworn in to his office for another four years. There was quite a procession and a very lively time in general.

I got in camp last night about 12 o’clock. I did not leave New York until 12 o’clock that night and would of returned to you had not the Lieutenant got beastly drunk and I had to command and look after him instead of him looking after me. The other man that he gave permission to go and see his frau (or wife) was there on time but seeing the condition of the Lieutenant, thought that he would like to go home again and I wrote him a pass for three days and got the Lieutenant to sign it. The Lieutenant is in a deuce of a scrape as he cannot make out his report for it seems that he had no business to give the pass and he is afraid to report him for he knows what would follow and he is after me every hour today to know what to do.

*I could not find an image of Adam but here is a CDV of Mark R. Earl, a private in Co. A of the 2nd D. C. Infantry.* *(Photo Sleuth)*

The regiment is consolidated and our company remains the same with only members of other companies in it. Our 2nd Lieutenant is in command of the company and tomorrow he is going to have me detailed as company clerk, but in my next I will let you know if I be so lucky. There will be no more duty for me as long as he remains in command.

All are well at home. I had a letter from [brother] Bob today and also received your letter which I answered verbally and to myself more satisfactorily and I have no doubt that the paper kiss was more pleasing being that it was genuine and accompanied with caresses and numerous jokes.

This camp looks very nice and more healthy than any I have ever been in. The barracks are good. Mack, you may rest assured that as long as I remain in the service of the regiment, I will never be exposed to the enemy. Distribute my respects around to friends and receive a loving kiss from your affectionate husband, — A. M. Hallidy

We have not received pay yet. I sold that shirt for three dollars today, That made $7 for the drawers and shirt and I have more than considerable. Mack, I am going to write home and tell mother that I was with you some eight hours and rolled you from one side of the bed to the other. Yours– Mick

Mr. Lindsly has not returned yet. Therefore, I have not got the valise yet.

¹ Brigg’s Barracks were sold at public auction at Alexandria on 2 November 1865. They were described by the quartermaster as five barracks, each 20 by 100 feet; one mess house, 26 by 140 feet; two officers’ quarters, each 16 by 24 feet; one officers’ quarters 16 by 39 feet; one headquarters, 20 by 30 feet; one adjutant’s office, 16 by 30 feet; two stables, guard house, and outhouses. The Barracks were first mentioned in period newspapers in July 1864.