1861 July 8 Washington D.C.

Dear parents

I have been looking
for some news from home some time
but I have recieved nothing yet I
have written three home and this is
the fourth one to you one to Washington
one to Francis Symonds I am anxious
to hear how you are geting along I hope
you do not fret about me for I am doing
well I can tell you some of our men
have been sick with dysenterry but not
dangerous I have not been troubled with
it yet and if I am carefull I think I
shall not have it. The second, and
third Me regt have gone to Virginia and
the fourth are expecting orders to march
soon we have some West Point men

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here drilling us we are making good
progress in that respect I have heard
a great many stories about the hot
climate out here but I find it verry
different I have seen warmer weather
in Me than I have seen here yet the
weather is very steady here and it
appears warmer that it is we have had
cold nights here ever since I have been
here so we have to cover up snug by
night. Our living is about the same as
it was at camp preble. I am enjoying
myself a great deal better than I
expected to I see some one allmost
every day that I am acquainted with
belonging to other regts. The war news
is kept so snug to the war department
that we do not get much news but
there will be a desc decisive mov
movement made soon Congress has
approved of the presidents proceedings
and so now they will push ahead,
There was one man in the 4 regt

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died the other day from the effects of
measles he thought that he was about
well and come out here with the men
he got cold and died and I suppose
was sent home. There is one man in
our company that I think will not
live long he is consumtive and is
growing worse every day he is think-
ing about getting discharged and I
think he will. As a general thing
our regt is in good health and
spirits and anzious to meet the
rebels in a fair fight for we thing
our cause is a just one and we
w must conquer. I have but little
time to write so I must make
short letters. All the Raymond
boys are well and doing well
so good by for the present

Hiram M Cash
Co. H fifth
regt Me. V[olunteer] M[ilitia]
Washington D. C.


Hiram Cash, 1835-1908. The 5th Maine was mustered into service at Portland on June 24th and was present in all the major engagements in the east from Bull Run to Cold Harbor after which it was combined with remnants of two other Maine regiments to form the First Maine Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment which continued in service to the end of the war.
MSS 12916