Civil War Letter 53rd Massachusetts Volunteers New Orleans April 1863 Measles for Sale

Civil War Letter 53rd Massachusetts Volunteers New Orleans April 1863 Measles For Sale

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Civil War Letter 53rd Massachusetts Volunteers New Orleans April 1863 Measles:
$249.95

Letter from Sextus P. Goddard (1836-1885) of Petersham (referred to as \'P.\' in letter), in Worcester County, Massachusetts, as member of the 53rd Infantry Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. To his wife, Hannah M. Cutler Goddard (1838-1864). Sent from the Algiers section of New Orleans, after having come from Baton Rouge, and during an outbreak of measles in camp, with rumors of a possible deployment to Texas. He writes to his wife the day before his 27th birthday describing the outbreak and his wish to return home safely. Good content in fine style, on \'Strike for the Union\' letterhead. The 53rd had been recently formed and would soon see heavy action and losses in Port Hudson and the expedition to Clinton.
Also included are two letters from Sextus Goddard shortly before his death in 1885.Transcription as follows:
Algeriers, La. [Algiers]April 5 1863My dear wife,
It is Sunday and just time for the forenoon service in P. Instead of that we have just got through with Inspection. Not exactly a Sunday occupation. Nor is it agreeable as attending meeting. Mr. Chamberlin and Chaffee have rejoined the Reg. We left 15 of our Company sick at Baton Rouge. Yesterday we had only 12 men in drill, ten others being on guard. So you see only 1/4 of the Company were able to do duty. It is sad to think that so many strong men should be struck down by the excruciating influences of such a climate. There are a good many sick with the Measles. I do not know of any that are considered to be dangerous. We have had cold weather lately. I have seen as warm in P. at the same time of year. I wish that this war was ended, that we all might return in peace to our homes. May God hasten on that day. There is a rumor that we are going to Texas soon. It is hard to get at the truth of the matter however. April 6
We are still here, but how long we shall stay is uncertain. I would as quick think not more than a day or two, as any longer. How do Frank and Hattie get along now? Is your Father intending to have any one to work for him this year. I do not believe ?name will leave his farm if Lydia is willing. I am sorry to hear that there is so much sickness in P. Thus far we have lost but one out of our Company. God grant that we may lose no more. But that we may all be permitted to return in health to those that we know are waiting for us. I am pretty well now I caught a cold one night sleeping in a Sugar House and have not yet got entirely over with it. I am not troubled with the [?], as bad as most of the boys. Day after tomorrow is my birthday. I shall be 27 years old. It has been five years since we were married. To me it does not seem half of that. Lately I can\'t help wishing the time to pass away swiftly. Is it wicked so to wish if it is I am afraid that I commit a good deal of sin. May God keep us in health, and may we soon be permitted to meet again in the good old town of P. Write as often as you can in a cheering strain.
I remain as ever your loving husband,
Sextus