This letter was written by Sgt. John Caskey (1834-1924) of Co. F, 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He enlisted in August 1862 and mustered out of the service three years later on 16 June 1865.

John was the son of Joseph Caskey (1808-1898) and Christena Sham (1809-1889) of Augusta, Carroll county, Ohio. He was married to Margaret Hyett (1833-1913) in 1856.

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

New Creek Stations, Virginia
May 17, 1863

Sister Lena,

This afternoon I seat myself to answer your letter which I received a few days since while we was at Greenland and I am glad to hear that you all was in the enjoyment of good health. I still am well and hardy as usual. When I received your last letter, I also received a likeness of Marg’s, Hattie’s & Jerome’s on a place. On another plate in the same envelope was a likeness of yours and Mag Day’s addressed to Thomas Crawford. I sent it to him the first opportunity I had and he now has it.

The boys of our company are all here with us excepting some of the ailing with their nurses which is still at Martinsburg. I have not seen Sam Iden since he has returned from home. He is nursing in the hospital at Martinsburg.

Tis thought we will leave here about the middle of this week. Some say we will go back to Martinsburg. Others say to Parkersburg, and some say to Wheeling though I think twill be to Martinsburg. For my part, I do not want to go to Parkersburg but then I will do as commanded. About the middle of the last week we had one desertion from our company which was Harry [Harrison] Herrington, or at least we think he has deserted. Was he seen about Augusta or not? I at the present time think I would like to go to Wheeling to spend a short time there where I could get to see the banks of the old Ohio once more.

I suppose Margaret got the two letters I sent her giving a description of our journey while we were out. Tell Margaret I have not got a letter from her for near four weeks though I suppose she has written. But the letters have been detained along the road some place. I received one letter which was a month coming after it had been mailed but I would like a letter from home. But I still will write whenever I get a letter or not to let them or you know where we are. I would like much to be at home to tend the Quarterly Meeting at Mt. Zion [Methodist Church] though at the present time I see but little sight and again I could only get a furlough for ten days at farthest, then two days to go home and two back would only leave 6 days which is too little. If I don’t apply for a furlough this spring, I will in the fall.

I have written [to brother] Reason three letters since I have got one from him without receiving an answer. I have not got a letter from him since he was at home last winter. I have no particular news this time to write. The weather is quite warm. Did Father get the blouse I sent home with Sam Iden? When you write, direct your letter to Martinsburg as heretofore and to follow the regiment. The boys are all in good health.

I seen a man a few days ago belonging to the 1st New York Cavalry that was shot at Greenland since we left there. He was brought here to be sent home. I will now close. Will write a letter to Mary so she can get it by Saturday, Mail will close. Write soon. From your brother, — John Caskey