This letter was written by Abram Coursen (1843-1864) of Candor, Tioga county, New York, who enlisted in Co. H, 137th New York Infantry on 21 August 1862. He did not survive the war. He was mortally wounded in the Battle of Peach Tree Creek on 20 July 1864 and died six days later at Vining’s Station, Cobb county, Georgia.

Abram was the son of John Marvin Coursen (1808-1891) and Margaret Ann Van Leuven (1818-1887) of Tioga county, New York.

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

Camp of the 137th New York Vols.
Stevenson, Alabama
March 6th 1863

Dear Sister Em,

I thought I would write a few lines today and let you know how we get along in Dixie. We are all well and hope this will reach you the same. It is very pleasant here today. We have church in camp at four o’clock, Chaplain Roberts preaches, I believe.

I had my likeness taken this forenoon. My clothes didn’t take natural. They took too light. Otherwise, it’s very natural. I will send it and see what you think about it.

Our box come yesterday morning all right. Everything saved nice. I am very much obliged. Tell Margaret [thanks] for the handkerchief.

There is not much news here at present as I know of. We are to work building forts here. Everything is quiet up to Chattanooga. That is what they say that come from there. I have no more at present. Excuse poor writing and blunders. Write soon and all the particulars of home. This from your brother, — Abram Coursen