October 19, 1862
Written in ink on white, 8.5” x 10” portrait-ruled rag paper. Illegible round watermark.
Harper’s Ferry
October 19, 1862
Dear Wife:
I now take the first opportunity of writing to you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Hoping that these few lines will find you the same and the little ones. I have wrote to you three times and have got no answer as yet. I don’t know how it is for my part if there is anything you and my relations has got anything laid up hard against me. You may answer the letter; if not it is the last you will never get another from me.
We have been out two days fighting. Not many killed on any side as yet. Harry Payne is at Alexandria, yet him and three others as sent back from Washington. We went out to Charlestown on[e] fight. That is the place John Brown was hung. We were all through the city. Mr. Shorey is in our company. J[ames] Harrington Vice that worked for Strong.
If you want me to write any more letters home, you[‘d] best put some postage stamps in the letter. I cannot get them to buy here. Likewise $5.00 dollars. We shan’t get no pay for two months as yet as I am out of money and tobacco too and I will get my likeness and send it home to you.
Send me word where Tom Bryden is so I can write to him. Let me know how things are getting along.
My best respects to all. Little Willey, Agnes, and David, not forgetting yourself. Write as soon as you receive this and yr. direct/
Mr. John Bryden
Washington DC
Company B
57 Reg[iment] NYV
