Soldier's Letter, Civil War - January 1862

 Oxford Times, February 5, 1862

Letter from 90th Regiment N.Y.S.V.

90th Regt. N.Y.S.V., Key West, Florida, Jan. 22d, 1862

Dear Times:  A little more than one year ago I was walking the streets of your pleasant village and answering to the pleasant calls of your Academy bell.  Today I am away down upon the most western of the Florida keys, answering, I trust with equal promptness, to the call of the fife and drum.

Our Regiment has been encamped on the Island of Key West since the 13th.  During this time many ornamental works have made their appearance throughout the camp, notwithstanding we are having double the drilling we have been used to, before we came here.  You will not wonder when you remember the latitude and realize that the climate is sufficiently warm to admit of gardens being in a forward state, oranges, and lemons (where cultivated) hanging almost ripe upon the trees, and all vegetation looking green; that many of our men coming directly here from the cold climate of New York, are stricken down by disease, and some of them alas! already laid in the silent tomb. A few days since a respected member of our company was  summoned away by death's imperative call.  More than usual respect was shown his remains. I think this was in consequence of his having been a Free Mason.  His body, was borne upon the shoulders of six of our members and was preceded by the Band, marking the cadence of the step by a mournful tune.  Following the pall bearers, were 7 files selected to fire over the grave. Next the remainder of the company without arms; and last in the procession, nearly all the officers of the Regiment.  After the military ceremonies were over the officers formed a circle about the grave each one as he came near, dropping in a green sprig. They joined hands and sang, then knelt and prayed.  Hardly a dry eye was seen among them.  After they arose from their knees, the Major removed a glove from one hand and dropped it in at the head of the grave, than all quietly retired.

I think many more of our number would have sickened and died ere this, had it not been for the cleansing influence of the sea sickness they endured on the passage.

There are about 400 Regulars on this Island, including a small battery of flying artillery.  The 90th Regiment numbering about 800 and 91st New York, numbering about the same, together with about 3,000 inhabitants including slaves; all of which must consume more or less water, and there is none on the Island except cistern or rain water, that is fit to drink (if I was home I should think it hardly fit to wash my hands in).

We have to be put on allowance, even of this poor water.  The Quartermaster has chartered a schooner to bring supplies, if necessary, from Havana, which is about 90 miles distant.  We enjoy very much this liberty occasionally granted us, in the form of a pass, to roam over the island.  During these rambles we often meet and converse with many of the slaves.  They seem to be quite intelligent, and are very glad of an opportunity to converse with us.  They say they are well used, and have considerable time to themselves, but still they all express an ardent desire to be free.

It is generally supposed that our Regiment and the 91st, will be sent sometime between now and the 1st of March, together with other forces on an expedition to make a strike at the same time with the advancement of the Northern Army.  But of course we really know little of our further destination, and much less than we should, if we could scan the columns of the New York papers.

Our officers, of course, are as much in the dark about our further movements as we are, but seemingly they know the whole program marked out for us, judging from their prompt replies when questioned by one of the men.  But their statements so soften conflict, that the men have lost confidence in their foreknowledge and now only hope that we may leave here before the weather becomes any hotter.  For my part, I had rather face the enemy than the disease incident to this climate.  I feel truly it would be sweet to fall in battle for one's country, but I shrink from the preying diseases.

H.H.R.