The following letter is from a cache of letters found in an antique store by Cianna Lee who made them available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent. This particular letter was written by George Menzies (1841-1862) to his friend Burritt K. Lawlin of New York City. George wrote the letter from Beaufort, South Carolina, in January 1862 while serving in Co. C (“Third Co.”), 79th New York Highlanders. George enlisted on 27 May 1861 but died on 1 September 1862 from wounds received in action at Chantilly, Virginia.

George’s parents were John Menzies (103-1870) and Jane Ferris (1807-1884), natives of Scotland, who emigrated to the United States aboard the vessel Glasgow in October 1856. The “Alex” referred to in this letter was most likely George’s older brother, Alexander Menzies (1830-1886) who was a druggist in New York City.

George wrote the letter to his friend, Burritt Keeler Lawlin (1843-1916), the son of sea captain Richard Edmonston Lawlin (1808-1861) and Maria Keeler (1816-1896) of New York City. He graduated in 1858 from the New York City Free Academy. It appears that Burritt lived with his widowed mother at their home at 180 W. 21st Street in New York City at the time these letters were addressed to him. Burritt was married in January 1864 to Louise Johnson Orrell (1843-1931). In the 1880 US Census, Burritt was enumerated in Brooklyn where he superintended a chemical works.

Transcription

Beaufort, South Carolina
January 30th 1862

Friend Burritt,

It is with feelings of pleasure I take my pencil in hand to write you a few lines in answer to your last which I received on the 28th of the month and which afforded me a great deal of pleasure, I can assure you. You speak of my promotion which does not amount to much. When I was elected corporal on board of the Vanderbelt, I was cheated out of it by a certain gang of men in my company who were not in my favor and they being great friends of my Lieutenant, of course I was done out of my rights immediately and again I was appointed to do duty in the Brigade Quartermaster’s Department and was there about one month. And on account of the Quarter Master being superseded, of course I was removed to my company once more. But I am in hopes of something before a great while. As the old saying goes, “there’s a good time coming boys, wait a Little longer.”

I was completely taken by surprise when I heard of John F. Craft belonging to Sickles’ Excelsior Brigade and am sure he was the last one on this Earth who I thought of hearing of in the united states army. However, give my compliments to him and tell him I hope to see his name in the papers among those of our noble Generals who are fighting for their country’s flag. And tell him I hope to see him in South Carolina before long.

I am aware of the fact of Geo. Gunn’s and Thomas Johnston’s joining the army some time ago. I supposed as you mentioned that you did not spend a very nice time on New Years and Christmas on account of so many of the boys being away but then you did not spend it as mean as I did away down south in Dixie land where I expect I will end my days in a short time. I am happy to hear of you spending your time so well at Alex’s on Christmas day. Christmas here brought me in mind of Christmas one year ago. You remember we were up to Beekman’s Pond skating and I had such good luck in getting into that mure (?) and got my head cut. I am glad you spent a better New Years than you did on Christmas. I expect you and John F. Craft give my compliments to Miss Charity Sloate and Mary. Also all the girls of my acquaintance including Misses Craft and Tuthill. Charles Rapp, Robert Armour, John Monroe, [and] David Tennett all send their compliments to you and all acquaintances. Give my love to Alex and tell him I was sad when I heard of his losing his last born child. With my love to all my folks, friends, and acquaintances, I now conclude and remain your friend,  Geo. Menzier

3rd Co., 79th Regiment
New York State Militia