Item Description: Letter from William Thomas Humphrey to his wife Mary.  He writes that he sent some of his belongs with a friend traveling to Osceola, PA. He thinks that his unit, the 149th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, is done with their campaign for the year. He also tells her to save their clothing. He served as an Army Surgeon with the 149th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, alternating between service in the field and in various hospitals.

Item Citation: Folder 4 in the William Thomas Humphrey Papers, #4681-z, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Item Transcription:

Hd Qr 149th P.V.

My Dear Wife

Frank Loveland started for home on Tuesday. I sent by him my carpet bag with a few things in I could not send much as he had some things of his to carry. He will stop a few days at his Father-in-laws in Bradford Co. but as now as he arrives know he will bring them to Osceola. He did not obtain a situation here but was quite anxious to do so. Our troops are all busy building winter quarters. Everything indicates that our campaigning is at an end for this season. Sherman’s grand movement may possibly call our forces out but not very probable. The weather is quite warm and pleasant some indications of rain this morning.

“Sleepy Dave” (my heavy horse) is gone, not dead but “traded off.” I made a deal the other day even for a bey pony 6 years old and wish he was at home for Willie, but think I shall not bring any home. It costs to much. I shall sell both my horses as soon as I can. No Pay Master yet. Shall come home soon after he comes. Frank will give you the particulars.

Our new Penn Regts including the 207th 208th 209th 210th and 211th have moved again. They are now on our right about 2 miles. “Our boys” in the 207th are here visiting every day. Ed Parkhurst has returned to his Co- well. Milton Lewis has been sent off sick to some General Hospital. The boys are cooking fat and hearty and are generally well pleasant. Are you troubled any for wood? Let me know. You did not say how your tulle fits or whether they will answer. Of course I want to hear of all these little affairs. Where has Jim gone to work? And what is he doing? Don’t let any more of our old clothes go unless something that is unserviceable. Though if Teddy wants one of those blue overcoats to the farm and will draw wood I think you had better let him have it for 10 or 12 dollars. They are both good as new and cheap at $12. Clothing will be very dear for some time. I shall find another home. This is the 2d letter since your last. Dr. Harshberger sits on my right writing a “love letter” to his wife. Give my regards to all.

Yours affectionably,

Wm T Humphrey

After finishing this letter I found I had written on 2 sheets thinking there was but one. But I guess you can track it out. I remember each page.

Wm T H