The following letter is unsigned and though there are several clues to his identity, I have not yet been able to attribute it to any particular soldier beyond his being a member of Co. K, 27th New York Infantry. He wrote the letter shortly after having made the march from Arlington to Hunting Creek in October 1861 where the regiment expected to construct Fort Lyon. It was Henry W. Slocum’s Brigade that was tasked with building. the fort and that duty was largely assigned to the 27th New York Infantry. The author claims to be a private though he was detailed as the Orderly’s assistant in Co. K.

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

Arlington [Virginia]
October 11th 1861

Dear Mother & Sister,

I take this opportunity to write to you. It’s the first that has presented itself. I dated this yesterday. We have marched about seven miles today & are now about two miles south of Alexandria and ten south of Washington at Hunting Creek. I expect we shall stay near here building a fort (Fort Lyon) a number of weeks. We are in sight of Washington & Alexandria, can see the Navy Yard at Washington, Washington Monument, the Capitol, &c. We are about seven miles from Mount Vernon. Perhaps I may get an opportunity to go. there. We have a pleasant camp on the heights which surround Washington on all sides.

I received the letter which you wrote in Illinois, and also in it a letter from Aunt Ann and Uncle Edward. I think I shall correspond with Isora.

Fast day was partially observed in camp. There was preaching in the forenoon and prayer meeting in the eve; but we were being paid off at that time & our company (K) and also Co. I received their pay on that day. I could not spend the day as I should have done on account of surrounding circumstances (at least I thought I could not). But at prayer meeting in the eve I felt that it had been a profitable day for my country for it seemed that I could feel the influence of the prayers that had ascended. It seemed as if a spirit of prayer reigned o’er the camp & country. Though I am sure that we are far from being humble enough, yet I hope God will give us grace, make us look to Him, & that He will bless us. I need much grace to assist me.

I have no doubt that a page in the world’s history is being written now. May God be merciful to us. I hope it will seem good to Him to spare our country. But let us do our duty & leave the rest with Him. I am glad I enlisted when I did. But it gladdens my heart to hear you say you are fully satisfied. I hope I am willing to stand at my post and meet His will. May I at His coming be found at my post serving Him. With His grace assisting me, I will. But how poorly have I done it. May He pardon me and give me grace to serve Him in the future.

“I am immortal till my work is done,” and if I am found having done my duty, will not this be glory enough? Pray for me much. I know you do.

I am still Orderly’s Clerk and get a private’s pay—thirteen dollars per month. I did not send any money home last payday as I wanted to get a good many things for winter, and I want some money to get a little fruit, &c. with. We have to pay two cents apiece for apples which at home we would call only passable. For potatoes we pay from one dollar fifty to two dollars per bushel (i. e., when we get any) and other things in proportion. I can send more money next payday I hope. I am very healthy. I never was in better health & spirits. Do not worry about me. [unsigned]