$85.00
Description
Description: Edgar Watrous, (possibly of the Company G, 3rd Regiment, New Hampshire Infantry) writes cautiously from Elmira (Nov 30, 1861) to his friend Julia I. Lynch in Otego, N.Y., admitting his inability to think ahead about what he wants to write. The embossed text on the accompanying envelope, “What is writ is writ. Would it were worthier!” (Lord Byron) preempts his apology. By way of news he writes of the elections of lieutenants and measles that seems to besiege the troops. One of his friends dies, and he hopes to see no more deaths, adding “I am affriad [sic] that we have more to contend with in the shape of disease, than, in rebel bullets or steel.” To reassure her of his well-being, he says that they had a better Thanksgiving– “oysters and pumpkin-pie”–than she probably did. Signs off as he is on picket duty that night, reminding her to address her letters to “Co. G instead of I.”
Written on four sides of ruled white 6” x 4” paper. Postally used envelope is emossed with floral and bird motifs and the Byron text. Item #AM00356
Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise very good.