Slaughter-Murray Papers

An archival journey through Civil War letters...

October 24, 1864

Title

October 24, 1864

Subject

From George Murray to his parents, dated 24OCT1864. Explains that the invalid corps was intended to keep men in the service until they were well enough to be activated again. Performing guard duty at Meade's H.Q.'s. Will try to send invalid jacket home. Men in the brigade refer to Meade as Uncle George. In ink on lined folder stationary "P&P" mark at top. Soiled on the back. Small tears at bottom and left.

UNIT ASSOCIATION: 114th PA Infantry

-Information provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service

Description

Headquarters Army of Potomac Oct 24th /64

Dear Father & Mother.

I received your last letter a few days ago but had not time to answer it. You said that you thought the invalid Corps was permanent while I was at the Hospital I saw several that were returned to their regiments the invalid Corps originally intended to keep those men in the Service that were not fit for duty at the present time but in course of time might become fit for duty the service thereby was not injured because these men took well men places as the duty they had to perform was light. I will send you $20. by this letter. We are doing guard duty at Genl Meade's Headquarters we are not considered as belonging to any division us the sixty eight and third Penna Cavalry all on duty at these Headquarters form what is called the Provisional Brigade. Our old division now forms the third Division of the second Corps. We do not have to go into the fights now. They are now building the railroad on across the weldon railroad towards the southside railroad. The pickets keep diring at each other that is about all that is going on at present but you may look out for some exciting news before this reaches you. You need not send me any paper but every time that you write you may send me a postage stamp. I am in good health and hope these may find you the same. The old Connecticut is laying at City Point. I intended to have gone down there Sunday but I could not get a pass as the Provost Marshall transacts no business on Sunday. The men in the brigade always call General Meade uncle George. Every time one of the big guns goes off the men have a saying among them there goes there another vote for Abe. I have told you all that I know at present. I will try and send my invalid jacket home. I will try and send it to Uncle Add. We are encamped on a farm the buildings are on it yet and the women live in it yet. I am in good health. I must I was never so well as I have been since I left the Hospital in April.

Yours
George Murray.

P.S. All of the Bustleton boys are well.

-Transcript provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service

Creator

George Murray

Date

October 24, 1864

Files

Collection

Citation

George Murray , “October 24, 1864,” Slaughter-Murray Papers, accessed September 19, 2024, http://slaughtermurray.umwhistory.org/items/show/59.