Corpus of American Civil War Letters
James E. White
Source: Letter of James E. White, CACWL Collection
James E. White of Northport, Penobscot County, Maine was 28 years old when enlisted in Co. G, 26th Maine Infantry on October 11, 1862. The regiment served mainly in Louisiana and participated in the assault on Port Hudson before being mustered out at the end of the regiment’s nine-month service in August 1863.
Transcribed by Michael Ellis, January 2009
1862
the 20
Newport News Vir November
Dear Parients
haveing A few learsure moments
this morning I thought I would
write A few lines to let you no
that I am well and hope that this
will find you all the same James
is well he is out this morning washing
our shirts we give him five cents
apiece to wash for us we started
from Camp Suard last sunday
marched to alexzandra there we
went aboard of A steem ship got
A board just as nite and droped
out and ankered that night next
morning got underway that night
ankered again and lade by till
morning was aboard three nights
and near three days had A verey
[page 2]
plesant trip how long we
shall stop here we dont no
the twenty 22 is here the boys
is well Jameslane is well and
bagging tobackco as ever he spent
all his money before he left Bangor
like A fool so he has had none
sience we have not been payed
enything yet and dont no when
we shall I aint out of money yet
tho menney is I have lent some
to James if i had not I should
have sent some of it home
I would like to have A good
apple to eat but I aint got eny
I like to see the to see the drafed boys
in town to see how they look
write me who they are I have
received but one letter yet from
home tell George to take good
care of the things and be a
good boy tell Clara that
[page 3]
that I send her A kiss I dont
no as i have enything more
to write to day give my love
to all the folks and inquiring
friends that is all i can
think of to write
From your most
obiedent son
James E White
Direct the same
as before