New Orleans, La. July 21st, 1862
My Dear Wife,
Tonight I write you. It is now 8 o'clock Monday eve. I am feeling very well. I have a little cold, but not enough to mention. Today I have not done much in the line of work. The first day I have worked so little for sometime. I did not feel extra well this morning and so I did not hurry much I took work easy until about noon when I understood the Col. had come to the building. I went to see him, but he was engaged and I could not see him. I waited two hours and he did not come back and I finally give it up. I am a going down to his Headquarters tomorrow and then I will see him. I am a going on business with Capt. Cidwell to see about a forged note. Is one of the men in the Regiment which I will tell you about when I come home. After I returned from the Colonel's office, I went to writing. In came, in a few minutes, Capt. Comstock & Capt. Blair. I begged to be ex-cused, but no, they said, I must go and so I started with them. We went down to the ferry and had to wait for the Ferry Boat to come. I thought of the time when we waited on the west side of the River, the time of the Teacher's Institute at Saybrook. You remember that night. I do. There is pleasure in sorrow by contrast of joy.
Finally, the boat came and over we went to the other side. We landed in Algeres. We walked into the Village and a miserable looking town. It looked like the last Rose of summer, all faded out and panic sickened place. We walked through the town into the Commons and there were herds of cattle and horses and mules, also large fields of corn and cane. The Capt. had a little pistol practice. I took Capt. Blair's and made a good shot. We walked about gazing 'at the country and enjoying ourselves as well as we could, cracking jokes and we had some-thing to say about everything we saw. It was the 1st time I had put my foot onto the green grass since I left, or last fall nearly one year ago. It seemed good to strike the green pastures once more. I at once thought of the long loved hills of Old Connecticut and how I long to see her granite hills and to enjoy the blessings of my ever loved home and dear wife. I can cry tonight when I think of it. How much I do love my home and its connections. Oh, that I could see my wife, my dear wife Lizzie, to-night, I would do anything if I could be with you tonight and have you put those gracious sweet arms around my neck and give me those sweet kisses that you use to give me. Yes, yes, would not I return them one hundred fold. I would certainly.
The band has been playing ever since I commenced this letter. I wish they would stop for it don't sound good. Nothing will satisfy me but your voice tonight. Can't I, can't I hear it - oh, the sweet breath that breaths happiness into my soul I cannot tonight feel. Oh, to the highest heavens known that they could convey me in your reach tonight, I would once more be happy. It will soon be, and then this mind of mine will be satisfied once more. You and you only can imagine my feeling tonight. You have often as myself have felt the same feeling. That feeling, as you well know, can only be satisfied by our continually being together, caring for each other as one. The tattoo is now a beating. It is 9 o'clock. I have not written very fast for I cannot somehow tonight. I feel so about coming home.
C has gone again tonight to see the WOMAN. I have a great deal to tell you about things when I come home. I do not see how he can do so.. Suppose it was myself and I had told you what he told me he told his wife and what he has done since he has been in this city. I will stop now and retire. I am all alone. Bob has gone to his quarters and I am tired and will get a night's rest and write more tomorrow. I do not know whether C will be back tonight or not. If he does, I will have to get up and let him in.
With the true love of your husband, I retire as Henry.
This morning Dear Wife,
I write you a few lines as I understand the Steamer leaves but takes no mail. I am acquainted with the Purser and will send this letter by the Steamer. I am well and hope you are the same. I will write you again by the Steamer on Thursday. I mailed you a letter this morning as I did not know that the Steamer was agoing to leave. You will receive this first. Willy Slate is here. He is well and looks first-rate. He is agoing to be discharged. He tells me he will help us if he dares. He will not come home. Please write Mother about it. I have not time. I am agoing to see the Col. today about a pass. I have been to his house to see him this morn-ing, but he was not in. He will be here at 2 o'clock if nothing happens. All seems quiet in the city. C came home at 12 o'clock last night. I will tell you the rest when I come home. The lady will be down here this Eve, he says. I will tell you the rest. You will please excuse this letter for it is nearly time for the Steamer to leave - only 30 minutes. I must close and run to the livery. Give my love to all and them I want to see them. My love to you as your true husband.
Henry S. Lord
N. B. My cold is much better than last night and I am well. I feel perfectly well. Don't worry about me. Take good care of yourself. Grow fleshy as fast as you can.
Tell everyone to be good gals & boys and truly yours, Respectfully yours and yours ever,
HSL
Return to Home Page,
Go to Index of Letters
February 16, 2001
All material on this page copyright by Warner Lord. It may be freely printed and read but must not be used in a publication without premission.