1863 Civil War Iowa 33rd Infantry Letter Re: Rebels Deserting Into Their Camp (Transcribed)

This Civil War soldier letter was written by Private Nicholas (“Nick”) Belveal (1(contact info removed)) of Co. F, 33rd Iowa Infantry. Nicholas was 22 years old when he enlisted on 13 August 1862 and he remained almost three years with the regiment, mustering out on 17 July 1865 at New Orleans, Louisiana Nicholas was the son of Louis Belveal (1(contact info removed)) and Rachael Ann Nelson Kelly (1(contact info removed)) of Jackson, Keokuk county, Iowa—formerly of Shelbyville, Indiana. Nicholas was married to Mary S. Miller (1(contact info removed)) in 1862. Sometime after the war the couple moved to Oakland, Alameda county, California. Little Rock, Arkansas November 4th 1863 Dearly beloved wife & friends, With the greatest pleasure I take my pen in hand in order to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am well and hearty and I sincerely hope these few lines may find you all in good health. Well, Mary, I got a letter from you dated October 11th and also a few lines from Mother. You said you understood that we was going to Memphis but we have no orders to go there as I know of. I went to see about brother Joseph’s affairs but I couldn’t do anything about it. They told me that they would be sent home—that is, his clothes. Well, the Boys has all got back and none of them got hurt. They didn’t see any Rebs—only deserters that come in and give themselves up. They average between 18 & 25. Well, Mary, I was mighty glad to hear of you being well again. You wrote in your other letter that you was only tolerable well. It gives me great satisfaction when I can hear of your being well. Well, Mary, I was detailed yesterday to go after brick and we had to go about 15 miles through the thin settled country and cane brakes to no end. But the worst of all, I found a dead hog lying in the cane brake and I brought it to camp and told the captain about it and said, “Did you bring it in?” Yes. “Have you any to spare?” Yes. “Well I would like to have a piece of it as I suppose it hasn’t been dead long enough to spoil.” So we divided it. Well, Mary, I haven’t any news to write that would be new to you but if I could only just get to see you, I could find a plenty to tell you but I hope the time will soon come when I can have that pleasure again for I want to see you mighty bad. Well, Mary, I have got $40 & I expect we will draw again in a few days 26 more, and I wish you had it all. Well, I believe I have wrote about all for this time. I will write Mother a few lines in answer to her kind note so no more at present. Ever your companion until death, — N. Belveal to M. S. Belveal Write soon. November 4th 1863. Much respected father and mother. I this evening seat myself in order to drop you a few lines in answer to your kind note which I gladly received last mail and was truly glad to hear of your being well. These lines leave me well and I hope they may find you the same, Well, Mother, I went to see about brother Joseph but I could not find out what he said before he died. I done all that I could. I couldn’t find just the spot where he was buried. Well, mother, I couldn’t find out anything about him that would console you any. If I could, I would. It is hard to give him up but we must give him up as cheerful as possible. He died a true patriot to his country. I have nothing of my to write, only I would like mighty well to see you all if I could. S I will close by requesting you to write soon. Ever your son until death, — N. Belveal Pick up in James Island near folly beach. Comes in a protector sleeve and backing board. Shipping is turned on.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Type

Antique Civil War Letter!