The following letter was written by George G. Hussey (1839-1910) who enlisted on 1 September 1861 as a sergeant in Co. D, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. He reenlisted as a veteran and mustered out of the regiment on 19 July 1865 at Edgefield, Tennessee. George was from Springvale, Wisconsin.

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1st Regt. Wisconsin Cavalry
Camp Harvey [Kenosha, Wisconsin]
February 20th 1862

Dear Friends Anna & Lizzie,

I received your kind letter and read it with pleasure. I have got what an old woman would call the blues on account of stopping in this detested place so long. When I read the glorious news of our victorious Army in the South, I almost envy the boys (not the glory but their chance of winning it). When I joined this regiment, I expected to be having a lively time myself by this time.

Ross Pride, Byron and Lewis James came into camp this p.m. I think they are foolish boys. If they wanted to have any fun, they should have gone to the seat of war direct. I believe I would if I was rid of this.

You said that you was going to a Ball. I would like to go to one more in that place this winter but it is impossible. But I would not care if we could leave this place. I am going to a Ball Friday night but I do not expect to enjoy myself. There will be but few that I know.

We are drilling about five hours & the rest of the time we are in idleness. You cannot imagine how I feel laying here so long doing nothing. There is no news to write in this letter more than I have wrote.

Our Colonel is in Washington and has been for six weeks. We are expecting him daily and then I hope we will start for the South. You must excuse me if I have not wrote a very cheerful letter this time for I do not feel cheerful. I must draw to a close.

Give my respects to your parents & all friends and keep a large share for yourselves. From your affectionate friend, — G. G. H.