I have not yet been able to attribute this letter signed by “Oscar” to his sister, “C. J. Emerson” to any particular soldier. It seems apparent that Oscar was serving in the same company with a brother named William and that he possibly had another brother named Joe who served in another regiment. I think there is a strong possibility they enlisted from a Midwestern state because Oscar expresses interest in knowing the names of those killed at the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee.

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Newmarket, Va.
May 1st 1862

Dear sister,

I received yours of April 16th last night. We have both written since we had any letters from home. I wrote to Pa from Strasburg. We stay only a few weeks in a place but our letters follow along after awhile. I have been unwell for a few days from a severe cold and a slight touch of the jaundice, but I am much better today. William will speak for himself. He is now on drill.

I sent a box of books and clothing home from Strasburg by express thinking they would be worth the expressage at least. If I ever get there, they will be valuable to me. If not, do as you please with them. And if they never get there, they will cost nothing to anyone.

I should enjoy your lectures, society meetings, and public exercises very much and hope soon to be able to be with you once again and enjoy the comforts of friends, home and old associates. You perhaps hear the news and know the progress of the war better than we do. But we hope soon to be no longer needed in the tented field.

Give my love to Libbie in return for hers. I cannot but recur to the time spent at school at H. with pleasure and at times even now my heart longs for liberty to return again to my old associates. You spoke of teaching. Certainly teach even if you get only your board as you will be better prepared to meet life’s stern reality.

I have had no letter from Joe for near two months. I suppose he is at or near Yorktown. We have not yet heard who were killed at Pittsburg Landing. I see I am near the bottom of the page so I must close. Give my best respects to all who inquire and believe me your sincere brother, — Oscar

C. J. Emerson