ADRIAN FAY 1865 LETTERS
May 1865
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Adrian Fay Home Page
May 7th 65
My Darling Husband
I rec’d your letter yesterday and was glad indeed to hear from you. We have heard that all the paroled prisoners were to be discharged so I am looking for my Soldier all the time but fearing that you will not come I am going to write until you do. It has been terrible rainy weather here and we have cold and frosty nights colder than in April. I got a letter from Weston [Flint, her brother] today a real good one too. He said he thought I ought to have invited him to my wedding even if I knew he could not come. I thought of it but did not think he would care anything about it. He thinks he will be home for a visit this summer. I am glad oh! so glad that the war is at last over and that our “Soldier Boys” will all come home to stay.
I hope you will never go away again Darling for I am tired of living without you. It seems as though you had been gone almost a year already. So you are a temperance man are you? I suppose then you wont drink any more Lager Beer or any thing of that sort. I am glad you have signed the pledge. Not that I think there would be any danger of your drinking (I never had any fears about that) but I am glad that you agree with me in regard to Total Abstinence. I signed the Pledge today. Myron gave it to me and said he wished I would get as many signers as I could. We organized our Sabbath School today and Mrs. Sarah Fay got to offices “Secretary and Treasurer.” Whew! dont you think your wife is getting up in the world. I think you might come home and help me. Orville is superintendent and Myron A. Dodge Assistant. Dont you think we have good officers? Oh! Add I wish you could be here today
I am so lonesome Sundays though I have plenty of company here. Et is sitting in the Rocking chair holding “Tooda” Minia is sitting on the other side writing to her mother and Agg is scribbling on the other corner of the table so I can write as well as if I was all alone. Father says “tell Add that I’m much obliged to him for that paper he sent me” Agg says “give Add my love” Minia says “tell Add I’m going to write to him this week” so you see you are the principal topic of conversation. Mollie’s [Mary Fay, Adrian’s sister] hand is better though it is quite sore yet. I guess ‘twas not a felon after all. I have not seen Mollie since last Sunday. Mother was down here Thursday and she said she was going to tell you that I did not come up there at all since you came away. I do not go any where. I am too busy. I promised to go to Mr. Norton’s and sit up with Mary Ward last night but it rained so I couldnt go. Mrs. Willoughby is back again. I have not seen her yet.
Marie did not come. She says she’ll never come back to Great Valley. I would not either if I was her place for there she is not thought of as she is here. I am glad Darling that you do write to me so often. I wish I could hear from you every day. Dont be afraid of writing. Just got your letter of May 2nd and was glad indeed to hear that you were going to be mustered out of the service. I cant be thankful enough Darling. I have writen three letters to you and have recd 4 from you. I cant write hardly I am so glad you are really coming home. K.[Kathalo Kelsey, Sarah’s brother-in-law] has just come. Minia got a letter from Louisa Howe and she wishes me much joy and says she thinks there is much in store for me for you are a good noble boy. She wished me to send you her love if I had room in my letter. I dont think there is hardly room for mine in this short letter but K is waiting so I must hurry and
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finish this. Riley Houghtaling has been here and I could not write. He stayed two hours. Oh, Dear I want to see you so much. With much love I am your loving wife Sarah
Near Alexandria Va.
May 7th 1865
My Dear Wife
I wrote you a letter the day I left Camp Parole. At that time I thought I should be with the Regt. before this time sure. But we only came as far as “Alaxandria” and staid till Friday then we left there and came out here about a mild from the City, and near “Fort Lyon” [south of Alexandria]. Our Camp is in a verry pleasant place right in sight of the Potomac and we can see the “Old Stars” and “Stripes” floating over more than a dozen Forts around here. You will excuse me “Sadie” if I should make forty mistakes for I have got the Tooth ache like all kill
and you can imagine the comfort we can take with that. I am tenting with 3 of the Boys of my Regt. Charley Campbell of Co. I and Isaac Laclere [La Clear]of Co. C. Charly Brown of H. We are looking for Our Corps to come evry day. The whole Armey of the Potomac are on their way here. We expect to have a Grand time when they all get here. We shall have our “Grand Review” and then I guess they will let us go home. I hope so at least for I am in more of a hurry now to get home than I was two months ago. “Aint that strange?” Dont we “Soldiers” feel good now the War is ended and we will soon be at home to engoy sivel life again. Yes more than “sivel life”. Some of us will engoy “married life”. For evry Soldier that isnt married will be as soon as he gets home. So I think the most of the Soldiers will engoy married life. “What fools wouldn’t.” Oh! Dear how my tooth does ache.
I cant half write or think of half I want to write. I shall have to wate a little and see if it wont stop. I have wated long enough for that tooth to stop aching But I see it is bound not to stop so I will let it ache if it wants to. You see I always let evry thing have its own way when I cant have mine and in this case I cant have my way. So it may ache till it gets done for all I care. I want to hear from you so bad I dont know what to do. But I dont expect I can till the Regiment gets here. The Post Master at Camp Parole told me he would send my letters to the Regt. when any come there for me. You may write and send it to this Camp though I dont know how long I shall stay here. It may be some time yet before the Regiment gets here. You will write wont you Darling for I want to hear from my Dear little wife so bad I cant hardly wate for a letter to come.
Darling I cant write any more to day for this plagy tooth has Botherd me for three days and nights and concquencly I dont feel much like writing or any thing else.
Good Bye My Darling. I will write again soon.
from your Adrian
Co. G. 2nd Batallion
Provisional Camp
Near Alaxandria Va
Provisional Camp, Va
May 13th / 65
My Darling Wife
I am happy as a clam to day. Last night I got a letter from you. Was very glad to hear from you. Our Corps got here last night so to day I run the Guard and went to the Regt. They lay in camp about 4 miles from here. The Boys were glad to see me. [Edward] “Booth” was tickeld half to death. I had a good time with the boys what little time I staid. I couldnt stay long for I had run a way from camp. I guess we will get orders to go to the Regt. to morrow. You see things must be don up Military here. We cant go with out orders unless we run a way and runing isnt acording to 94th tacticts at all.
Sadie I have got 4 letters to answer in this one and I hardly know where to comence or what to write first. You cant read it I dont believe. I cant half write to day for some reason or other. I guess it is because I am so glad to hear from you. How Ed. Booth and Ed. Mercer did try to bother me for geting married. They said they didnt think that of me. I told them they couldnt tell by the looks of a “Toad” how far he could jump. They shouldnt judge for fear they wouldnt judge right. That is laughable about that Check. I dont wonder the Old fellows laugh. But let them have their sport. Il pay the caust. I can aford to. I remember now “Philps” told me that check was for $2.00 But I wasnt paying atention to what he
said so I never thought of it again. But tell them to laugh and laugh harty. Il own up I was demoralized. I guess you will think I am not much of a Buisness man. Well I aint. But I should think any fool would have seen that. I guess my folks dont think much of me now since I have got married. I haint got a single letter from them yet and I have wrote to Mati two or three times. You are a smart one to ask me if I would swap you for “Mary Ward”. Do you think I am a fool? I know I act like one some times. But I am not quite so foolish as that. No I wouldnt swap the tipend of your little finger for the Whole of her. When I want to swap you off I will let you know before hand. “George Hulbirt” [Hulbert] went up to the Regt. with me. He is here
and Ebs [Elbert Hurlburt] Regt. the 179th is camping near here. I saw Eb yesterday. Had a good visit with him and George. Eb comenced laughing at George and me because we wer old married men. But we soon shut him up. We told him he couldn’t get married when he was at home. But if he would be paitint [patient] and wate till we all get home we would help him to get a wife. I told him I would make out a requisition and “George” could sign it and he could present it to the Comisary and draw one. They same as they draw horses. I guess Uncle Sam has got “Girls”. You say you think he has got a wife and Boys so why shouldnt he have Girls too? I dont believe you had a requisition when you got your Husband and Uncle Sam dont know that you have made a drauft [draft] on him. You said in one of your letters that I must be jelious because you saw my wife walking to and from the chool house with an other man. Aint you a fraid I will get jelous? I am not afraid of geting much jelous of you. I am not one of that kind at all. But ant you a fraid of loosing me when I get back if “Mary Ward” presents her claim? I wonder what she thinks of George Harvey by this time. I heard somthing I would like to tell you if I could see you. If it is so I feel sorry
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for Mary though it would be good eneough for her. I will rest a little then I will write a little more. Yours
Add
May 14th [1865]
Sadie I have just got to the Regt. this morning. Now I am all right. We are expecting to be Discharged befor long. But some think the “Veterans” wont be discharged But I guess they only intend to keep “Handcocks [General Winfield Scott Hancock] Corps of Veterans. I cant think of much to write to day for evry thing is in a “hubub” here to day. Any one wouldnt think it was Sunday. I will write to morrow and tell you all the news and answer some of those questions you asked. I cant think of any thing now. It is time for Parade” and I shall have to hury up and mail this so Good Bye My Darling and write often to your ever true and faithful (Add)
You must write very often now Darling for I am … I can get your letters with out any delay.
I 94th N.Y.V.
Washington D.C.
“Young Travis” is here. He comes to see me evry day. The poor fellow is woring him self half to death. He acted so bad while he was at home that he says he is a fraid to hear from there or to go back there when he is discharged. I dont know how I should feel if I had done as he did. But I am sure I never would want to go back there again. I am afraid it will be a good while yet before I get home. There is so much red tape to go through any way before we can get discharged. But keep up good courage Darling. I shall come befor many months I guess. What great excitement there is a bout going to Mexico. I have no inclination to go whatever. All I want of “Uncle Sam” is for him to pay me off and let me go home to my Dear little wife.
I feel highly complimented by what “Louisa Howe” says in regard to me. I hope she is not mistakened in what she thinks. But I dont believe she knows me as well as I know myself. I am a fraid I am not good as some folks antisipate. But my Darling I shall always try to be good to you. I love you so much. How I wish I could be with you to night. I dare say that I am as lonsome as you are nights. When I go to bed I cant think of any thing but you and hardly a night but what I dream of seeing you and talking with you. I hope the time will come when I can be with you and stay with you and never have to leave you so long again. I shall have to stop for it is so dark I cant see where I am writing.
Camp of the 94th N.Y.V.
May 17th / 65
I have tried two or three times to day to write to you But it has been so warm to day and the Boys have been hanging around my tent so that it was imposable for me to write or think of what I wanted to write. I am tenting with Sergt. [Edward] Mercer” & “Dave Southwick.” Mercer has gon after watter to make coffey with and “Dave” is building a fire and I am writing to my precious little Wife so you see we are all buisy if we hant any thing to do. I havnt done any duty yet only went on Parade to night. I shall have to go on inspection to morrow but that is nothing. I am glad to hear that you are so well but as for you geting the better half I dont think you have. I have got that. I wish you could see me now. You wouldnt see that little “spindle shanks” Uncle Abraham told of.
My health never was better than it has been since I came back. Geting the better half has made an improvement in me too I guess. Helo! The male has come. I hear them saying “Adrian Fay.” Pshaw. Its only from Mary [Adrian’s sister] or the old made as she says you call her. She says she is awful lonsome. Says she wants to see somthing else but home cowards and Old Bachelors. I guess she wants to see her Duchman. I expect you are looking for me to come home soon. I am in hopes I shall. But be paitent. There is a good deal of red tape to be maiserd [measured] off yet befor we can get discharged. Some think the Vets wont be discharged at all. But they will though they may be kept till the last. “Col. Root” told some of the Boys this morning the we should all go home soon only by paitent and wate and not get sweaty about it. Wm H. Davis was up here yesterday. He is staying in Washington yet at the “Finley Hospital.” He says to me
[Edward] Booth says you are married. Pshaw says I. Would you believe all Booth says. Well (says he) I didnt believe it when he told me. Finaly I handed him the notace and after he read it he said he believed. He had But few remarks to make. Booth keeps at me yet and says I had It on the Brain. The Boys have got supper ready and say if I want any to knock off writing a little while. “And so I will.” Well Sadie now Il prosede and finish this before dark if I can. Of course Dear I wouldnt keep any secret from you. I will agree never to secrete any thing from you. As you say our love would be good for nothing if we had no confidence in each other. But I want to ask you if you remember of ever reading of a man that came to his death by revealing a secret to his wife or rather he became a Prisoner and was torturd and lost his eyes. But he was finaly the means of his own death. But it was the tretrous [treacherous] wife that caused it after all.
You know Darling that I love you. There is no use of me trying to tell you in this letter of how much I think of you. I have no secret But what you can know if you like. You are a good true loving Girl Sadie and it will ever be my greatest joy to make you happy. I know we will always live happy to geather for ever. Since we became aquainted we have loved each other and for over two years have through war and strife born true elgince [allegiance] to each other. It is getting so dark I cant see to write and I must wate till morning. Then if I can I will write some more. Here is lots of Kisses for you Darling and you will excuse me for this time. Write often to me for I do love to hear from you often. I am glad you wer not ofended with that letter I wrote you while I was at Camp Parole. You can write what you like to me. I wish you would tell me what that joke was you got on Mollie. Wont you Sadie?
Good night from your
Adrian
Camp of 94th N.Y.
Near Washington D.C.
May 18th / 65
Dear Sister Mary
Your letter of the 14th I gladly recived last night while I was writing to Sarah. I was glad to hear from you. That is the first letter I have had from any of you. Father said he would write. Mother said she would and you told me you surely would write. Well you did but you was a good while about it. If you dont write oftener to your Duchman than you do to me I dont think you care much for him. You are looking for me to come home are you? There is no need of that. You will look in vane if you do. I dont believe they will let the Vets go home verry soon. Old Stanton [Secretary of War Edwin Stanton] says the Vets must
stay and let the Subs and One years men go home first. Then if “Cirbey Smith” [Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith] dont scair him to bad he will let the Vets go. May be if he gets drunk and gets a fit on. And if not he will keep them. We dont know what will be done with us so we get up all kinds of ideas of what will be our future destiny. I hope it will be Home though. We have got a splendid camp here. Our whole “Brigade” lays here. But I dont think we shall stay here long. The 23rd & 24th that “Grand revew” is to come off and we must march and counter march around and through Washington to gratify the curiosity of some “lazy Big Bugs” that is to lazy to come here and see us. It looks splendid for folks to set in stoops and windows and see Soldiers march by. But not so easy for the Soldiers. It look to them
as the Old “Indian” said. (The easyest thing we ever done was to see a white man move. I am tenting with Ed. Mercer” and [Dave] Southwick.” We have gay old times. Ed. is Orderly. Dave is Corporal, (or General as I call him) and I am a high privet in the rear rank. They are going to muster out all men that times expires befor the first of October and I shouldnt wonder if the calculation was to break up the Regt. and send the Vets into “Handcocks” Veteran Corps. We dont know what will be done with us yet. If you see MyWife you can tell her you have heard from me and I am well and would like to see her very much. Now Mati write as soon as you can and tell me all the news. Oh Mr. Wm H. Davis was up here the other day. He sends his respects.
Verry respectfuly your Bro. Add.
Camp of 94th N.Y.
May 21st 65
My Darling Wife
Your letter of the 18th I gladly recived this evning. Was verry glad to hear from you and that you are so well. My health is good. I never was so healthy as I am now. You wouldnt hardly know me if you should see me. I am glad you write to me so often Sadie. It does me good to get a good long letter from you and to get them often. I have got all the letters that you sent to “Camp Parole.” 4or 5 at least. But I haint got all that you have writen I dont believe. I wrote two letters last week and I shall
write more this week if I can get time. To morrow I shall have to prepair myself for that Grand Review which is to take place Tuesday & Wedsday. I wish you could be in Washington to see the Veteran Armey pread [parade] themselves. It will be a big thing. How the Girls will wave their hankerchifs and throw kisses at us “Soldier Boys”. Dont you feel alarmed about yours that some little Southern Girl will coax him away? You are looking for me home I spose. I dont know when I shall come. It apears that they want to keep the Vets and those that have done the fighting and send home one years men and Big Bounty men. I dont think that is fair at all. I say the men that have been in the servace 3 & 2 ½ years should be the first to be discharged. “Old Stanton” is the cause of this.
It is geting dark and I will wate till morning. So Good Night Sadie.
Add
Monday 22nd [May 1865]
Rain, Rain, all the time. It has rained for a week and still raining. I am afraid we will have a bad time for the Rivew. “Southwick” and “Booth” went and saw the 154th Rgt. yesterday. They lay on our Old Camp Ground where we camped the first spring we came out (Near Clouds Mills). They didnt see any of the Boys that I am aquainted with though. The 147th Regt. is here in our Brigade. I saw “Alex. Mudget” Saturday. He enquired about evry thing he could think of that was going on in Gt. Valley. He wanted to know who was married. I told him most all the Girls wer married (not mentioning your name of course). (Well says he) there will be no right for you and me by the time we
get home will they? I told him I was afraid so. “Dave” [Southwick] was with me. I expected he would let the cat out of the bag. But he never opend his mouth only gave me a sly wink. If it had been “Booth” he would have told the whole thing. But “Dave” is a boy that minds his own buisness. He and I tent to gather. But he never says a word if I wake him up in the night. My Bunky “John” I left in Alaxandria and havnt seen him since. I guess he is discharged. His time was nearly out. Couldn’t Irv find any thing to chop but his toes? He is a smart Boy. If he cant do better than that tell him I say he had better let the Ax alone after this and not medle with edged tools for he may hurt himself yet. Sadie this is a horrid looking letter. But then its to no one But my wife, so whats the odds? You said I shouldnt tear up any more letters that I wrote to you. Or I would
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ridle this and try an other. Oh you wanted to know how much I would give for a sub. I dont believe I would give any thing now the War is at an end. That is so I dont want to be superseded. But if you insist upon geting a subtofill my place at home you can get one. But I shant pay the Bounty. No sir.
Camp of the 94th N.Y.V.V.
May 27th 65
My Darling Wife
It is an all killing rainey day and cold enough to freeze a feller. I received your letter of the 21st last night so I supose I shall have to answer it to day or you will scold me if I dont. I dont like to be scolded. But I am going to scold you for siting up at “Mr Nortons” and making you sick. You musent do so any more. It is more than any woman should do to work all day as you did then walk clear down there and sit up all night. Now I shall scold you if you do that again. Now I will tell you what I done this week and see if you will scold me. I didnt go to Washington the day the Armey of the Potomac was reviewed. I had to stay here in charg of the Camp.
But the Col. gave me a pass to go and see “Shermans” Armey Reviewed. I started early in the morning and staid there till nearly night. I saw the 154th when the passed the Presidents stand. Saw the “President” [Andrew Johnson], [Ulysses S.] Grant, [William Tecumseh] Sherman, [John A.] Logan, [Francis P.] Blair, and lots of other great Generals. I went to the house where “Seward” was asisinated. Saw “President Johnsons” present residence [the White House] and hundreds of things to numerous to mention. I saw “Charlie Field.” Had a short Chat with him. He said he never expected to see me again when he heard I was a Prisoner. He thought sure I was dead until heared I was not dead But Married. I don’t know what he thinks would be the worst. I didnt see Nelt [Nelson Kingsley]. He was there some where but Charlie & I looked for him all through the Regiment and couldnt find him. One fellow told us he had gone for
something to eat so I thought there was no use of hunting for him. But I was a going to tell you when I got back to Camp that night I was half dead. I had walked not less than 25 miles. I went by the way of the Long Bridge and all through the City then walked up to Georgetown. Crossed the Equidock [Aqueduct] Bridge. Went to Gen. Lees former residence. Was all through the Soldiers grave yard [Arlington National Cemetery] that is on the Plantation. Then after I had looked around there long enough I went to camp which was about two miles from there and when I got to Camp I was nearer dead than alive. I wouldnt take an other such a tramp for a good deal. My feet are sore and ache yet. Now Darling you may scold me if you want to. I deserve to be scolded I suppose. But I think I have been suficiently punished all ready. Now Dear if you do scold me scold me easy wont you. I wont do so again.
What in Thunderation is the reason my folks dont write to me. Father told me he would write and tell me about the Bounty as soon as he saw “Mr McCoy.” I should think he had found out by this wheather he could ishew the Bond or not. I dont know wheather I shall go home soon or not there is so many reports. One report is that the 5th and 2nd Corps will all go home Veterans and all and some think they wont. But I think there is no danger but what all of us will get home by next fall sure. They cant discharge us all in one day or one month. The way to do is to wate. Be paitint till they get around to us. I dont worry about it at all, though I want to go home as bad as any body. I have as much to atract my atention homward as any man has and am in hopes I shall get home soon. But what is the use of geting Blueabout it. That wont hurry the matter any. If the War wasnt over we wouldnt think of going home. But now the war is ended and all things looking so faivorable we are in more of a hurry to get home than ever. I didnt get your letter you sent to Provision Camp. I hope you wont get out of paitents wating for me to come home. Uncle Sam is Slow But sure. I will get home some time if I live. Adrian
Home May 28th 65
[Great Valley, New York]
I am all alone this afternoon for the rest have gone to church. I did not feel well enough to go so stayed at home. I went over to Sabbath School and thought that would do for me. Saw Myron [Dodge] and had quite a chat with him. He let me read some letters he had rec’d from the “cousins.” You had better be jealous for Myron and I are fast friends. I had a present yesterday. Clark gave Mary a ring but ‘twas too large for her so he told her to give it to Sallie [Sarah]. She did so and when any one asks me where I got my ring I shall tell them Clark gave it to me. Clark thinks Mati and I are two of the worst plagues he ever saw. I guess we are for the poor fellow is in trouble all the while.
He bet his watch yesterday against ten cents that he would stop chewing tobacco. Mati says she is not afraid of losing her 10 cents at all. Uncle Abraham came over here yesterday and wished me to read him your letter. I read what I pleased of it and he said “Well what Adrian writes is sensible and to the point.” Please consider that as quite a complement. I guess if he should read one of my letters he would not compliment one as much as that. I wrote to Montrose but have rec’d no answer yet. Nelt [Nelson Kingsley] wrote that he would be home the 4th of July and wished Minia to prepare for his coming. He said as Sallie had changed her name he would not write to her but would make her a good long visit when he got home. Wont you come too Add? If you will we’ll save an extra bit of strawberry shortcake for I believe that is going to be the bill of fare when Nelt gets home. I’ll quit and stop. Sati.
In my room Sunday evening [28 May 1865]
Mollie [Mary Fay] is here and the way she is carrying on is a caution to sober old married folks like you and I. She says she is a going to take your place so she has perched herself on the bed “endishabille” (I dont know what that means but it’s a big word so I’m going to put it in) with a geography in her hand and her pen goes scratch, scratch over the paper. I spect she’s slandering somebody awful. Hope taint this chile. Well it is, And Sallie is acting worse than I dare too. She looks worse too for her hair hung in graceful stringlets all over her head and --- well no matter now. I tell you the rest when you come home. That’s what I call downright meanness to take a letter and go to talking in that style just because I took my net off and loosened my clothes so I could take a long
breath. She needn’t say anything for she looks as bad as I do. Yes worse. And she is talking just as mean as she possibly can to me. She only came down here to get me to say something so she could “run and tell out.” Well I shant say nuffin nary a word. Dear me. I’ve laughed so much that my side aches desperately. Mollie keeps me laughing fit to kill myself. I’m going to run away with Clark this week but then you said I might get a Sub to fill your place and he’s the only one I know of around here. You needn’t worry about the Bounty either. There! I guess I’ll subside. Dont you think its about time? Mati and I talk some of going to Salamanca with Clark to get our fortygraphs tooken. Have you any objections? Make it manifest – now or forever after hold your peace. My brains have all “give out” so I guess I’ll quit. Write soon and answer this ere letter or
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I’ll sartin [certain] run away with Clark. I can send you a bushel of Mary Wards respects if you really want them but I think she needs all the respect she has to spare. No more at present from Sarah & Co.
Shintown May 28th 1865 [Sunday]
Brother Add
I recd your letter a few days ago, cant remember just how long, but anyhow I got it & a terrible scolding too. Sati says just what I deserve, for not writing oftener to you. More surtain true I dont write half as often to my Duchman as I do to you. So I don’t. I tell you what Add. Sati is slandering me. It is no such a thing what she is writing. I dont know what it is though. Yes she does too for she’s been peeking over my shoulders for the last half hour. Spect she wants to “larn” how to write to her Jack. Well I’ll give her the benefit of my experience with pleasure.
Well I reckon her experience wont benefit me at all. And I already know how to write to Jack. I suppose youll not object to my staying with your wife tonight providing I get home before six o clock in the Morning. She says she objects and will kick me out of bed if I dont behave. I’ll get the back side then she cant. If she does run away with Clark [Wilder] she’ll pent [repent]. So she will. She had better not take him for a sub for Provost guards are plenty. I’ll have them under guard in short time. Now dewbe a kind and obliging Husband and hould your peace for we want our fortygraphs … bad.
My Dear Brother do not give yourself any uneasiness on our account for we are perfectly rational. No we aint either. We are going to start for a Lunatic Asylum tomorrow or at least Mary is, for she’ll be the death of Sal [Sarah] if she stays in these diggins much longer. I spect however she will soon depart into the State of matrimony for Clark is omnipresent and folks say that stranger things than that have happened. May they have the same good luck Mary Calkins wished you. Thats downright abuse. Do you think I’d leave my native state of Single blessedness before the war ends. No sir I’ll not give up my Duchman. Ive heard folks talk before about not getting married till after the war is over but alas! They often change their minds. I never do. Dont believe in it myself. Do you?
Good bye. We’re gwine to bed. Now turn your face to the wall or you might be skeered.
Well here it is Tuesday [30 May 1865] and this letter not finished. Mrs. Bullard is sick & I staid with her all day yesterday. Henry [probably Henry Fay, Adrian’s brother] is quite sick this morning. I dont know what ails him. We have sent for the Doctor. No more this time. Write soon to
Mary Fay
[Note: Shintown or Shingletown is the name of the locality in Great Valley where the Flints and Fays lived. It was named for a shingle mill there.]
Camp of the 94th Regt. N.Y. Vols.
Balls Cross Roads Va.
May 31st .65
My Precious Wife
Your letter of the 27th arived here last night just as we were siting down on the ground to take our supper. I didnt wate to eat But went into the tent ripedopen the envelop and comenced examining its contence with a great deal keener apetite than I had for my supper. “Sergt. [Edward] Mercer” said Fay is the damdest man I ever saw. When he gets a letter hel stop evry thing else no matter what it is to read it. I was over to the 187th [NY Infantry] last Sunday. Saw “Augustus Adams” & “Leon Ferington.” “Adams” said I had a letter from home the other day. They said your Bro. had been at
[home] and was married. Then Booth had to break out (it wasnt his Brother it was him.) We all had a harty laugh over it. Adams said he didnt know the two Fay boys apart but the one that had married “Sarah Flint” had married an excelent fine Girl. I thanked him for the Compliment and told him I thought so too. We had an other Revew last Monday by [New York] “Governor [Reuben] Fenton.” I couldnt go though for I had two great Boilswhich exempted me from Duty all that day. I thought of K [Kathalo Kelsey, husband of Sarah’s sister Agnes] sufering so much with his that day, though mine wasnt exacly in the “same” place his was. Mine was on the side of my leg. I went strawberring yesterday and got all the nice ripe Berries I could eat. I thought of you and wished I could send you some. But if you will come down here Il go with you
and pick a Basket full. Youd laugh or Scold me if you could see me now. I just had my hair shingled tight to my head. It is all the stile here now, though I shouldnt have had mine cut so short. But it was coming out so and was so dry and dead I thought it would come out better if it was cut short. The name we give it is Sinimans. Evry man that has his hair short is called a Siniman Bair. No Sadie. I didnt entind [intend] that you would think what I wrote would apply to you at all or that I doubted in your ability of keping a secret. I dont want you to think so Dear at all. That wasnt what I had reference to. But what I meant to have you to understand was that in sertin instances a man might know of somthing or have some secret that
it wouldnt do to let any lady know not eaven his wife. Such might be the case in sertin instances though I dont say its so with me now. I never have done any thing or know of any thing But what I had as leave you would know or not. Well Sarah this is awful Poor writing. I dont believe you can read this. But if you cant keep this till I come home and Il read it for you. Another great exitement here to day. “Col Moffitt” [Samuel A. Moffett] says that the 94” will all go to Sackets Harbor [near Watertown, NY] and be mustird out now in a short time. They have orders to prepair our mustering out papers now as soon as possable. Aint you glad Darling. You can look for your “Husband” home some time beforor shortly after you are 79 years old. So be patient Darling. Dont get blue any more. Though they may ishue some other order befor they exacute this and conclude to keep us 7or8 years longer. So dont be sertain of me coming.
Adrian
[Written upside down at the top of page one:]
Sadie Excuse this short letter. I will write a gan Sunday and maybe I will feel more like writing. I cant half write to day. A Kiss Darling from Add.
[Written in the margin on page one:]
That was a rash cake you got on Mati. Wonder if she tried it.
Adrian Fay Civil War Letters – Transcribed by Phil Palen
Pages in PINK are transcriptions of Xerox copies of letters sent to Phil Palen by the late Hollis Harvey Reed of Philadelphia, great-granddaughter of Adrian Fay through his daughter, Hollis Fay Fellows.
Pages in GREEN are transcriptions of originals owned by Phil Palen donated to St. Bonaventure University.
Pages in BLACK are transcriptions of originals owned by Patrick Gallagher donated to St. Bonaventure University.
Phil Palen added periods and initial capitals in these transcriptions, but did not change spellings.
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