Letter dated 22 July 1865, from Silas Doolittle, 75^th New York State Volunteer Infantry

 

                                                            Savannah, Ga.

                                                            July 22d, 1865

 

Dear Mother,

            I sit down in something of a hurry to write you a few lines to let you know of my welfare. probably by the time you receive this I will be many miles from here, for we expect to start for Hawkinsville, Pulaski Co., Ga. every day. it is about 200 miles and we have got to march all the way, but I presume we will take it easy, so it will only be sport after Six Months idleness.

 

            My health is good and I feel Just like marching and I will have a good chance to see the country.

 

            I have got a lot of extra baggage that I do not want and it is too good to throw away so I have boxed it up and will send it by Adams Express directed to you. Perhaps you will have to send to Clyde for it, but dont know for certain.

 

            It may be some time before you hear from me again, for there will not be much chance to send a letter until we get to the end of our route, but I will write as soon and often as possible.

 

            I think it a chance if we will be able to get home this year, but perhaps we may. I dont know what we are going up there for, unless it is to keep down the Niggers. The black brutes are committing all sorts of depredations on the inhabitants. well, all I have to say is that if I catch one committing any robbery I would shoot the black dog as quick as I would a snake.

 

            Now, Dear Mother, take good care of your health and do not work out in the sun, for I presume you are working in the garden a good share of the time, but dont do it Mother, or I am afraid you will be sick.

            I wrote Sarah a letter a few days ago. I have not heard from home in nearly 4 weeks. Good bye, Mother.

 

                                                Your Loving Son

                                                            Silas Doolittle

 

P.S. Please direct as before and the letters will reach me.

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