1862 War News Burnside Takes Roanoke Island Civil War Soldier Letter 24th NY #10

  

K, 24th Reg't, NYSV, was killed at 2nd battle Bull Run Letter of 2/12/1862 to his wife Lestina. War News, Burnside Takes Roanoke Island, Prospect of Capture of Fort Donelson. Dear wife, I have been looking anxiously for your letter of last Thursday and Sunday but have been doomed to disappointment thus far.

Anyhow this weather and a great deal more so when your letters fail to come, but what cannot be cured must be endured. The prospect is brightening for a speedy termination of the war, and i think that my prediction will prove true, that by the fourth of July next I shall be at home. Don't you hope that will prove true. We had good news this morning from Burnside, that if it proves true, it came through rebel channels which makes me think it true. The news was to the effect that Burnside had got possession of Roanoke Island, and if it had not been so, and also possession of them, the rebels would not let us know it.

The prospect of the capture of Fort Donelson on the Cumberland seems good, from the news we got this morning. Our forces have surrounded it and erected four heavy batteries, so I hope by the next time I write you it will be in our hands. Too much praise cannot be given to our energetic and bold secretary of war, Stanton. It is now confidentially believed here in camp that we shall move and attack the foe in their strongholds at Centreville and Manassas as soon as the roads will admit.

It would now be impossible to move over them. Canon of large caliber, 94 and 64 pounders, are now waiting at Fort Corcoran, this side of the river, to be moved on to the front as soon as the mud dries up. Those are the fellows that are going to do the work. There are also fifty or sixty wagons in the city loaded with shot and shell, which are waiting.

Orin and myself had quite a notion of applying for a situation as teamsters to that train, but learned this morning that they had the required number. When it freezes so that we can drill, which has been the case for the past two or three nights, we drill the skirmish drill, which makes me think that we shall act as skirmishers in the grand advance. Well wife I suppose this will not be very comforting news for you, but I must say that I want it to come. I want to have this job ended. I want, if God permits, to be with you. We expect to do great things. Our motto must be no retreat, but forward to victory or death. I may be among the number of the dead. I trust myself in him who is able to save when shot may fly and cannon sound, dealing death all around. If it is his will for me to die, I can leave you and say "thy will be done" "O tis sweet for one's country to die" and sweeter when that death brings a glorious eternity. Keep good courage good wife and when you here of our advance thank God that the rebellion is in a fair way to end and pray for me. We do not have any prayer meetings now, but that does not stop my prayers, the rest I cannot vouch for. I shall continue to pray and living or dying I shall continue yours. Hold fast to the faith so that if I go first you will surely follow. This evenings paper says 1,500 rebels including Governor Wise have been taken at Roanoke God be praised. Arrosina says she was not very well when father was there.

I hope that she is not going to be sick. Bless her little face, I wish I could come and see her.

Write me all about her. When do you think of weaning her. Letter and envelope in good antique condition. TEEAR, FRANK (FRANCIS) Age, 27 years. Enlisted, May 7, 1861, at.

Ellisburg, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. K, 24th Reg't, NYSV.

May 17, 1861; promoted sergeant, date not stated; killed. August 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. Also borne as Frank Tear.