The following letter was written by 50 year-old Samuel Alexander Richards (1812-1882) who enlisted at Goffstown as a private on 8 August 1862 to serve in Co. H, 10th New Hampshire Infantry. Samuel remained in the service until 21 June 1865.

Samuel was married in 1844 to Harriet Rundlett (1828-1899). The couple lived at Goffstown, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, where he earned a living as a farmer and carpenter.

The 10th New Hampshire Infantry left New Hampshire and moved to Washington, D. C., in late September 1862. They then moved to Frederick, Maryland. and about the 1st of October to Sandy Hook, Maryland, and on October 4th to Pleasant Valley October 6 where this letter was finished. They had duty at Pleasant Valley until October 27, 1862 when they made the march to Falmouth, Va., October 27-November 19 and where they fought their first battle at Fredericksburg, December 12-15.

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Harpers Ferry [Virginia]
October 6th 1862

Dear Wife,

I take one moment to let you know of my health. It is pretty good and I hope you all enjoy the same blessing. I have had a busy time since I wrote to you before. We stayed at Arlington Heights two days. It was pack up for another field on Monday. I was left to see to the officer’s baggage and take them to Washington. The company went to the Ferry and I did not meet them for one week. I had a hard time. I had to buy all I had to eat. The provisions were all packed up. I came to Washington [and] waited for the cars four days, got the baggage on and was 24 hours on the road all safe, the officers and men cheering me on my arrival. They had heard I was taken prisoner with the baggage but they were pleased enough to find all safe. I spent about all the money I had. I mean they shall pay for it but I can’t get it at present. They steal all they can get hold of.

I should not write much as I have not had any line from you. We had for supper 1 dry cracker, 1 dipper of coffee. We have not got our provisions yet. We move again today. We go to Burnside’s Brigade & you will hear something before long.

Give my love to the children. Kiss them and bless them and may God bless you all. Farewell. Write for I want to hear from you very much. Direct your letters to Washington D. C., Co. H, 10th Regt. New Hampshire Volunteers.

I wish I had stayed in Washington a week longer for I am hungry. Don’t let anyone know what I have wrote. Tell my friends—if I have any—to write. You write twice a week. Write all the particulars and let me know how you get along for I want to know what you are a doing. Give my respects to all.

We have made another move to Pleasant Valley—a very pretty place situated between large mountains as beautiful as the eye ever beheld. We have sent for our rations now so we shall have something to eat. I am as good as the officers and quite intimate. They [treat] me very well. I have not been on guard since I left New Hampshire. I should be very contented if it was not for my family. I think of you all the time. Think of me sometimes. yours till death, — Sam A. Richards

They were telegraphing all night from one mountain to another with lights. It [ ] enough October 4th 1862