Seymour, O. H. Letters (1863)

              [page 1]
Camp 157 Reg NY Vols
Adj. A. V Blodgett 

My dear brother 

I suppose you will 
be looking for a line from the Chaplain of the 
157th about this time. You must give me credit 
for remembering your claim & my promise to 
write soon. We arrived here this afternoon 
after considerable of a time. I arrived at Albany 
next morning after leaving home, about six o'clock 
went to bed. About 10 or 11 o'clock I roused my- 
self & set out to see about my commission. 
The said documents were not ready, as 
the Governor was sick & could not sign the 
papers. I then went back & took breakfast 
or dinner, as you chose, & went over again 
to see if anything could be done, but there was 
no encouragement. They would send it on as 
soon as arranged. I have written to Mr 
Ballard from Washington & I think he will 
attend to it for me. Saturday it snowed all 
day.  At 3 PM the train started for New York 
& on account of the storm, we were until 11 o'clock 
at night getting through, ought to have been 
there at 8 o'clock. I went to the Hotel Julian 
but no Randolph there. He caught me good. 
It was a hard, dirty place. Randolph left 
immediately for the St. Nicholas, but they forget 
what word he left & so I could not find him 
till Sabbath PM. As I stood looking over the 
St. N's Register, a gentleman came up & also 
began looking over. I apologized for looking


[page 2]
back so far, but he said he was looking for a 
name back, So when I came across Randolph's 
name I mentioned it, when he said that was 
the name he was after, so we looked at each 
other & he knew me, but I did not him. It was 
Henry Sage. Afterwards I saw [Mead Lee ?] Sabbath 
evening I went up & heard Dr Adams preach on 
Christian patriotism. It was a grand discourse. 
I saw Genl McClellan sitting near.

Monday I called on Louise & Cara Dixon & had 
a right nice visit. I was much pleased with 
Mrs. Dixon. Louise was well. In the evening I at- 
tended a concert with Randolph who gave me 
a ticket. Maj C came in about 5 PM & at 
eleven at night we started for Washington where 
we arrived at about eleven AM. Judge Duell left 
the same morning (that was yesterday) so that I 
could not see him. I regretted it. But I saw 
Ogden & Alex Wall there. Visited Alexandria & called 
at the famed house where Ellsworth was shot. Alex- 
andria is a hard looking place. This morning at 
8, we left for this place, taking a steamer down 
the river to Acquia Creek, & then the cars to within 
two miles of camp, where I now write in the Maj's 
tent by a good fire & a Sperm candle. Maj Waters 
has just been in. The boys are generally well 
though there has been some sickness & deaths of 
late. I rode about some this PM I think I shall 
conclude to like it here. My trunk came through 
safe. All glad to see the Maj & the new chaplain. I have 
been about some already getting acquainted. It looks 
like a log city about here with cloth roofs. Much 
love to all. Lee Maj wishes to be remembered 

Yours ever. 

O.H. Seymour


[page 3]
I closed the other sheet & laid it away till morning, but 
I thot I would begin this enough to say that I wish you cld be here 
just now & hear that splendid band that is playing in another 
brigade near us. This is a luxury I enjoy & they play every evening 
we are to have a band in our brigade. Will Nell & the boys let you 
come as Adj in our Regt?

Much love to Dr's folks & tell them Ill try & write them some 
P McGraw will not probably come here again to accept of 
Quartermaster's dept. Newton of Homer will probably be installed 
therein. I find him very accommodating. I have written 
Mr Darwin. You may send me letters, but not circulars 
&c. Please send me two or three or more of my own pic- 
tures that I had taken before coming. The side view & I will 
make it right with you.


[page 4]
Monday morning 

If Mr Dickson pays you that 
money for the carriage you may pay it to Mr [Schenuerhon ?] 
if he will take it & I think he will. The note is $125. If he will take 
it & you can raise me $15 & so take up the note I will make it right 
with you as soon as I can. Perhaps Father will pay it & add it to his 
note. Any way that you see best. I have not yet gotten me a horse. 
Shall draw one from the Govt I think. I want one when we come 
to march & that may be soon, cannot tell. My long boots pay 
me every day. We have mud here. I met a team by a mud 
hole or sluice way & the driver said he had three of his 
horses down in it. You often see horses lying dead in the 
hole where he got mired. Half mile posts might be set 
up of dead horses or mules.

You will keep watch of the monument will you. How much 
I think of those dear ones. I want to hear from baby – have not 
since sometime before I left home.  Trust he is well. 

But good bye A beautiful morning  much love 
to all at home & all who inquire

OHS

[written upside down at top of page 2]
Remember me particularly to all the good friends 
who inquire. Met Mr Squires yesterday. Write me & tell 
me how home & how Ch matters get on

[written upside down at top of page 1] 
Remembrance to [Len ?] & Jennie, Clara & [Aline ?] &c 
I'll write again about that lease unless you can 
arrange it with Mr [Schemlum ?] Perhaps Mr S 
had better make a new lease with Mr [Leanoria ?]

[written sideways at left side of page 1]
Have had no hard tack yet 

send to Washington D.C. 
157 Reg N.Y. Vols