December 24, 1862
Title
December 24, 1862
Subject
From George Murray to his parents, dated 24DEC1862, Falmouth. Makes reference to a balloon. Doesn't think they can get the rebels out from their position on the
Heights. Asks them to send newspapers and stationary. In pencil on lined piece of paper. Smudge on right side. Deershead mark at top. Treated 7/1994 by S. Filter/J. Herrick.
UNIT ASSOCIATION: 114th PA Infantry
-Information provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service
Heights. Asks them to send newspapers and stationary. In pencil on lined piece of paper. Smudge on right side. Deershead mark at top. Treated 7/1994 by S. Filter/J. Herrick.
UNIT ASSOCIATION: 114th PA Infantry
-Information provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service
Description
Falmouth Dec. 24th 1862
Dear Father & Mother.
I received your letter of the 13th inst, a few days ago, but have not had time to answer it, and as most of the regiment has gone out on picket for three days, and I had a little spare time, I thought that I would answer it. Most of the boys are trying to fix up some kind of shanties but the talk is that we will not stay here long. The balloon has been going up for several days. My stockings and mittens are all right yet. I am afraid that we can not get the rebels out from this side of the river, as they are strongly entrenched in a range of hills covered by a thick woods, so that their sharpshooters can lay behind a tree, and pepper away. While we were on the battlefield, we dare not knidle a fire for fear of the rebels, while they could lay back in the woods alongside of a big fire. All of the boys are well. William Lawrence has not been seen since we recrossed the river. Send on the papers, not matter whether the news are state or not, they will do to pass away the time. I think we will have a poor Christmas this year. Send me some more paper and envelopes.
Yours
G. Murray
-Transcript provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service
Dear Father & Mother.
I received your letter of the 13th inst, a few days ago, but have not had time to answer it, and as most of the regiment has gone out on picket for three days, and I had a little spare time, I thought that I would answer it. Most of the boys are trying to fix up some kind of shanties but the talk is that we will not stay here long. The balloon has been going up for several days. My stockings and mittens are all right yet. I am afraid that we can not get the rebels out from this side of the river, as they are strongly entrenched in a range of hills covered by a thick woods, so that their sharpshooters can lay behind a tree, and pepper away. While we were on the battlefield, we dare not knidle a fire for fear of the rebels, while they could lay back in the woods alongside of a big fire. All of the boys are well. William Lawrence has not been seen since we recrossed the river. Send on the papers, not matter whether the news are state or not, they will do to pass away the time. I think we will have a poor Christmas this year. Send me some more paper and envelopes.
Yours
G. Murray
-Transcript provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service
Creator
George Murray
Date
December 24, 1862
Files
Collection
Citation
George Murray, “December 24, 1862,” Slaughter-Murray Papers, accessed April 17, 2026, https://slaughtermurray.umwhistory.org/items/show/37.