The following letter was written by Albert Roswell Lee (1841-1922), the son of Roswell Taylor Lee (1801-1880) and Delia E. Esselstyn (1804-1887 of Cape Vincent, Jefferson county, New York. Albert was 20 years old when he enlisted to serve two years in Co. K, 24th New York Infantry. He mustered in as a sergeant and was discharged for disability on 23 September 1862 after having spent the summer repairing bridges on detached duty with the Engineer Corps.

Although Albert addressed the letter to “Wife Mary,” it is important to note that he was not married, which raises significant questions about the choice of address. The contents of the letter further indicate his single status, making it peculiar for him to express surprise at receiving correspondence from a spouse, or to conclude with a request to “remember me to all the ladies and to some in particular.” Genealogical records confirm that Albert did not enter into marriage until the mid-1870s.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Headquarters 24th Regt. N. Y. S. V. Co. K
October 10th 1861

Wife Mary,

Your letter came to hand last Tuesday evening. I should have written a letter in answer to it before this but I have had so much to tend to of late that I could not so I hope you will excuse me for neglecting to write. I will be more prompt the next time. Little did I dream when I write to you that I should have the pleasure of receiving an answer in return and am very thankful for having the chance to thank you.

Mary, I thank you very much indeed for writing such a kind letter to me—a soger boy who is out in Old Virginia fighting for my dear native land.

I hardly know what to write. I am not much of a hand to write letters—especially to a young lady. But for all that, I will try and write something which I hope will interest you, but I have my doubts.

Capt. [Andrew J.] Barney ¹ and part of his company [Co. K] were ordered out scouting last Tuesday morning. They left the camp about 9 o’clock and returned six o’clock in the afternoon and they brought one rebel, five horses, and shot three of the rebels besides. I will send a paper with the account.

I must bring this poor letter to a close for I am very hungry and I will get nothing to eat if I don’t flow around. Please remember me to all the ladies and to some in particular. I must close this letter. Goodbye and believe me yours, — A. R. Lee

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¹ Andrew J. Barney was 32 years old when he enrolled at Belleville to serve two years in the 24th New York Vols. He mustered in as captain of Co. K and was promoted to Major on 19 December 1861. He was killed on 30 August 1862 at 2nd Bull Run.