Henry C. Metzger to Frederick E. Metzger, 27 November 1864
Fort Schuyler. Sunday Nov 27.1864
 
Dear Father.
                        I take this last opportunity of writing home before lieving for the front. Yesterday about two hundred of us were examined for the front. I think that we will start on Monday or Tuesday it is said by way of Washington. We may not get to our Regiments in a month and may get there in a week. I see by the papers that my Division is at the hottest place in front of Petersburg. I would have no objections if it would be someplace else by the time I reach it. I expect nothing else but to be sent back wounded in a short time. Yesterday over 400 wounded arrived here all from the seccond Corps. they say that the country is pretty hot around Ptsbg/ about this time. On Thanksgiving we had a big time here. the hospitals around here are full of soldiers, waiting for transportation to the front. it is supposed that 25 000 men left N. Y Har since the election. many have not returned from furlough yet, nothing is said to them that do return. This may be my last letter for some time it is hard to tell. I will write as soone as I get a chance. I for my part dont think that we will lieve here till next Friday, but there is no telling. I wish 500 000 or 1,000,000 more men would be called out so that this war would be soone over. I am tired of laying around; If Sherman comes out right, I think things will be brought to a close in a short time. Every soldier after coming from home on a furlough feeles bad for a few weeks or so, and is not satisfied with anything./
 
Last night I was out a fishing to pass the time, caught nothing but a bad cold. my pass book fell out of my pocket in the water and spoiled Mothers, Kates and Georges likeness so that I had to tare them up. salt water dont agree with things of that kind. the book is all right. Dont answer this untill you know where I am. I am well and will write as soone as I can. If we go through Washington I may see some person from Hanover but I dont think that we will go that way.
 
Give my love to all
from your Son
Henry C Metzger
2029
DATABASE CONTENT
(2029)DL0338.01133Letters1864-11-27

Letter From Corporal Henry C. Metzger, 16th Pennsylvania Infantry and 184th Pennsylvania Infantry, Fort Schuyler, New York, November 27, 1864, to His Father


Tags: Election of 1864, Fighting, Furloughs, Hospitals, Illnesses, Injuries, Peace, Photographs, Recreation, Siege of Petersburg, Thanksgiving, William T. Sherman

People - Records: 2

  • (2) [writer] ~ Metzger, Henry Clay
  • (3) [recipient] ~ Metzger, Frederick Elder

Places - Records: 2

  • (3) [origination] ~ Fort Schuyler, Bronx County, New York
  • (496) [destination] ~ Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania

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SOURCES

Henry C. Metzger to Frederick E. Metzger, 27 November 1864, DL0338.011, Nau Collection