Letter from a local Civil War soldier

This is an exact transcript from a handwritten letter that my son and I transcribed from our local historical society. Misspellings and grammar remain true to the original text. I particularly enjoyed Charles Personius's telling of the events concerning Fredericksburg. The period voice of these boys has long enchanted me.

Harpers Ferry [illegible]
Dear Parents
I will write a few
lines to you to let you know that we are
all enjoying good health and I hope it
is the same with you. To day I was
quite disappointed for I thought that you dear
Father and Ella would certainly be here
to visit us but I am sadly disappointed
but we are often subject to disappointment
in this world but I still think they
will be here tomorrow or the first of next
week It cant be possible that you have
given up the visit entirely for I think
that you must want to see us bad enough
to take one days journey if it took a
week or two to come here it would be quite
different but it is only a little over one
days ride so don’t dispair and disappoint
your sons in the Army The Army has suffered
greatly at Fredricksburgh for our loss
there is estimated to be about 13500 wh
while the Rebel loss is far less for they
had a great advantage over our forces for
they were strongly fortified and our forces
had nothing to shelter themselves with

There is a report in circulation that
little Mc is to resume command of the grand
Army again but I think it is untrue
for I don’t think that he would be foolish
enough to accept the position again even if it
was offered to him for he has been greatly
and grossly abused when he was not to blame

Yesterd[ay] our company took
up the bridge across the shenandoah river
for fear that the Rebs might come in but
I apprehend no great danger from that
[illegible]
but it was Gen [illegible]’s order and all
sup orders must be obeyed that come from
superiors In handling a bridge there is a
great deal of order about it The company is
divided of into squad of son so many into each
squad some are lashers some chess men and
some balk carriers and siderail carriers and
boatmen and so on each has his own part of
the work to perform and does no other

The new suspension bridge across
the Shenandoah is nearly completed
I can not think of much more to write
about and probably have written as much
as you will care about reading so
I will bid you good night and
peaceful dreams no more at present this
from your son Charles W Personius

Chrstmas Letter from a local Civil War soldier

My son had a wonderful opportunity to transcribe hand-written letters for the Chemung Valley Historical Society. This one in particular is from a young Civil War infantryman from Elmira named Charles Personius. In this letter, he writes to his mother at Christmastime. His anticipation for his visit is so evident.
Also, his grammar and spelling choices are as accurately depicted as possible. I wish you could see his beautiful script, as well.

Christmas Morning
Dear Mother
I will try
finish up the sheet which
Ella commenced to write on
though I have nothing of
importance to write about
except to inform you that
we are well and enjoying
christmas finely and expect
to have a nice dinner of
your own cooking which
I am sure will relish first
rate for I allways liked
home victuals better than
any other When Pa and Ella
came down here their trunks
got delayed at Baltimore
and they did not forward them
on so Walker telegraphed
there and they will be in
on the express train about
noon so if we wait untill
one or two oclock I think
we will have a fine time

Pa and Ella came quite
unexpected but I was
awful to see them I am
afraid we wont be able to
keep Pa here a great while
for he is getting uneasy
and thinks that he must
go back home He cant
stand it to stay from home
like the Captain and myself
for we don’t think of such
things I must close for it
is time for the mail to leave
so good bye for this time

This from Charlie