The following letter was written by Pvt. Joseph H. Caldwell (1829-1897), a former clerk from Roxbury who enlisted on 24 May 1861 to serve in Co. F, 1st Massachusetts Infantry. He was wounded on 29 August 1862 during the 2nd Battle of Bull Run and eventually transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps (117th Co. 2nd Battalion) where he served out his time, being discharged on 24 May 1864. Joseph’s younger brother, Josiah Caldwell (1834-1903), also enlisted the same day and served in the same company.

Joseph wrote the letter to his wife, Esther A. (Boles) Caldwell (1836-1924) with whom he married in 1854.

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

Camp Union
1st Massachusetts Volunteers
Bladensburg
October 20, 1861

Blessed wife,

I received your very kind epistle yesterday and rest assured my love, I was extremely happy in reading it. I have made up my mind to write short letters but to write oftener, but remember I shall expect you to do the same.

There is nothing very new in or about the camp except yesterday three of the 1st Michigan Vols. died with the Typhoid fever. Josiah [Caldwell] is some better and I think will be able to resume his duties this week.

My own dear precious one, what would I give to spend this Sunday with you. I trust that ere many Sundays pass we shall pass the day in peace and love together. Oh my precious soul, how hard it is to be so far away from those that are dear to us. Do you not think so love? One thing you said in your letter about keeping your letters, I destroy them all for the reason that they would not be for my credit to have them seen but I do hope and pray that I shall receive letters which will contain no allusions to the past for I should like to do as I see others—sit down and read letters over and over again. They would be highly appreciated by your poor old hubby.

I received two notices in your last about the 1st which shows the estimation in which the regiment [is] held. It is a source of gratification to us to know that we are held in such high esteem by our distant friends. I suppose, darling, you will receive a letter dated Thursday. Well, I shall write often and you must do the same. I fear you think me mean in not forwarding my miniature but I cannot do it until they get ready to go home. I expect every day to send it and it worries me as much if not more than it does you in having it here. But my love cannot blame for you know it is of no advantage for one to keep it. Do not fear. I shall remember you darling in Nov.

I received from Lieut. [George E.] Henry a letter sent by Lieut. [William H.] Sutherland. I am sorry I ever received it. It was too hard. But it was written before I explained to you the many affairs. But one thing in it, how can a man receiving only $13 per month send $40 home? Perhaps he gambles. The 11th [Massachusetts Infantry] have the name of it and in our regiment it [gambling] is punishable by confinement in the guard house and fined. The 11th Regiment is a miserable concern. How under heaven’s [name] do you expect Edgar got to Richmond? I heard he gave himself up to the Rebels. Damn such a man. Esther, I shall look out for myself for your dear sake but I shall do my duty. I cannot—it is impossible for me to act the coward. But rest easy. I shall come out all right and these poor arms shall again embrace the form of his beloved wife. Bless you for your dear words in your letter and believe me your faithful, devoted husband, Sealed with a kiss. — Joseph

N. B. Another will soon follow this, — Josey