Jerome T. Howard was 24 years old when he enlisted as a private on 29 September 1861 in Battery H, 1st New York Light Artillery. He was discharged for disability from that regiment but subsequently enlisted in Co. K, 14th New York Light Artillery. He mustered out in March 1865.

Letter 1

Davids Island, New York Harbor
September 8, 1864

Good morning Monroe,

How are you this morning? I hope you are well. I received your interesting letter this morning and was glad to hear from you. I do not think I can come home very soon. I may come till my time is out which is not for over two years yet to come but I should like to come and see you and your folks once more. But it is impossible at present. But I will come soon as I can. I will go to the front again in a few days as my wound is about healed up again, there to engage in another battle. I may get another piece of lead. If I do, I will get over it again. Now as you are a soldier, I suppose you will keep order that way if suppose if the redcoats appear this side of the big pond. The 87th Regiment of New York State National Guard will turn out in force with Colonel M. M. Smith to lead the van and make them get out of the way and wish themselves back to old England again.

Well, I guess you will do all that you can to drive them back but I guess there will not be any danger of their coming so you will have to wait till the time comes to show what you are made of. Then you will throw yourself like fun, no doubt—that is, if Colonel Smith will make a good officer. When it comes to close quarters, he will make you fellows fix bayonets and charge. How will you like that? I think you will like it first rate. You must not think there is danger ahead but press on and you will come out victorious. That is a soldier’s motto. No such word as fail.

I must close. Let me know how you like a soldier’s life. Farewell from your friend, — Jerome T. Howard

Monroe, in regard to politics, I think we do not agree. I did think something of our President when I voted for him to rule the destinies of this Nation, but my views are vastly changed and I may say materially changed in his taking the chair another four years. Those of the people who want another four years war, let them vote for Abraham Lincoln. As for me, I do not and I will not vote for him. I say put in a man that will give us peace and Little Mac is the man. But I suppose you do not think so. But he will show you when he gets in the chair. Those are my opinions and ever will be till I see something more about the man. — J. T. Howard

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Letter 2

Davids Island, New York Harbor
September 13, 1864

Friend Monroe,

How are you this evening? I guess you are well. At any rate, you had ought to be since you have become a soldier in the army of Horatio Seymour, governor of the State of New York. Well, I hope you will do your duty if you are called on. It may be to suppress a riot or something. Anyway, do your duty whatever it is and don’t flinch and do not get excited when you get the command to load and deploy as skirmishers or to advance fix bayonets and charge.

Monroe, you said you had no hired help now. Do you mean that your mother has to do her own work now or do you do it for her? I know that cannot be for she has got Fanny to help her.

Enclosed you will find a song for Fanny. You may give it to her. It is one that I found the other day down by the beach.

Monroe, they are preparing for two large battles and I may be in one of them and I may fall and if I do, I will have one consolation—that I fell doing my duty. But I guess I will live through it to try the Johnny Rebs another brush. I may come [home] before election. If I can, I will, but do not look for me for you may be disappointed.

I heard Lib Young is sick with the fever. If it is so, how is he? Let me know in your next letter. I must close. Don’t forget to write soon as you get this. This from your friend, — Jerome T. Howard

Direct at before.