Letter dated 19 January 1865, from Silas Doolittle, 75^th New York State Volunteer Infantry

 

                                                Savannah, Ga.

                                                                        Jany 19^th, 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

                                    1^st Brig 2d Div 19^th A.C.

                                    Savannah, Ga.

 

Jany 20^th, 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.

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