Letter dated 19 January 1865, from Silas Doolittle, 75th New York State Volunteer Infantry
Savannah, Ga.
Jany 19th, 1865
Dear Sister,
Here I am up to my Knees in the Georgia sand as tough as a bear, and “lots” to do. We landed here last night after a somewhat stormy & tedious voyage. almost everybody was sea sick, but I stood it first rate & was not sick at all.
Shermans troops ar nearly all leaving, and the talk is that our Division is going to stay here and garrison the City. I hope we will, for I have traveled around enough for the past 10 months and would be contented to rest awhile.
The soil here is about the same as at Pensacola & the Climate something like Louisiana. there is oysters in abundance and they can be bought for $1.00 per bushel. Withall, I am suited with the place if we can only stay here awhile. I have not got off from my “sea legs” yet and the ground seems to be rocking & pitching, but that will be over in a few days.
I am now a rich man, if the possession of plenty of “live stock” makes anybody rich, for I have abundance of “grey backs”, but that is nothing new for a soldier.
It looks like rain & I must close my letter & put up a tent but will try and write a longer one next time.
Your Loving Brother
Silas Doolittle
Co. “A” 75 N.Y.V. Vols
1st Brig 2d Div 19th A.C.
Savannah, Ga.
Jany 20th, 1865
Thought I would write a little more this morning. Our Colonel, Col. York, has been put in Provost Marshall & our Regt. is going to be Provost Guard of Savannah for the present, so we will have an easy time while it lasts.
It rained quite hard yesterday & last night, but one good thing, there is no mud, for the sand soakes it up as fast as it comes. We are encamped about 1/2 mile out of the City, but expect to move into it to day. 2 Companies have already gone. I expect we will move into houses, so we will not have to put up tents.
I was quite unwell when we left for the Valley but the Sea voyage completely cured me & now I am in good health & have a most “villianous” appetite.
I hear that Wilmington has been taken. it was “a streak of luck”, our not going there. The weather does not seem to be settled yet & think we may get more rain.
Shermans army is, I think, the finest looking army I ever saw, all large, stout looking men, well dressed & well fed and well behaved.
I will close this now so to be in time for the mail. Now write soon.
From Your Affectionate Brother
Silas Doolittle
75 N.Y.