CIVIL War Sybertsville Penn 1861 Letter Re Brothers In Action At Beaufort Sc

  

An Original Civil War Letter from "Joe" a teacher at Sybertsville, Pennsylvania, Christmas Eve to friend "Cinda" with war and family news- He writes'My Dear Friend Cinda"- he apologizes for late response, is currently out of funds teaching school, he has received letters from "Will, and James both still at Port Royal as of November 19th, Will's company lieutenant has died. The writer also mentions fellow teacher Frank Higgins going to Easton, the writer is boarding with a Minister and both having fun - he enjoys the company of a young lady boarding from Easton, but she is engaged. Everyone here is out sleigh riding, the writer runs a singing school here. With Thursday update- he just got letters from Will and James, Beaufort, SC Dec 20,' Will is appointed aid to General (Isaac) Stevens.

On Dec 15 Will was in a severe skirmish. The letter now continues on the page margins- " the night before James was on picket duty talking to the enemy, and was also in a skirmish- they would see the rebels discharge their cannons, he heard the Rebel Captain, badly wounded say " For God's sake help me and they are expecting a battle soon. He writes that Alonzo Kenney has died in the hospital at Fortress Monroe. The rest of the Herrick boys are well. The trees here are in bloom and laden with ripe oranges. He calls Beaufort the "garden of the south". The homes are luxurious- Will has taken some things out of a house in Beaufort, all homes have pianos and musical instruments, costly books, etc-, Will says he would take many Trophies' if he could send them home.

The letter is signed on the front edge "believe me as ever your friend Joe". Comes w service info for General Isaac Stevens in command at Port Royal, South Carolina dating the letter to December 24, 1861 a month after the General captured Port Royal.

A number of Pennsylvania units were at Beaufort including the 50th, 55th and 100th Infantry. A Complete Letter, 4pp 8 x 6, on yellow paper, with age spots, edge wear, Overall VG.