1865 Post-Civil War Letter – Union Commissary Sergeant in Occupied Richmond

1865 Post-Civil War Letter – Union Commissary Sergeant in Occupied Richmond, Virginia – 24th Massachusetts
 
Authentic handwritten letter dated July 23rd, 1865, written by Eldridge Howe, Commissary Sergeant of the 24th Massachusetts Infantry.
 
Howards Grove,
Richmond, Va.
July 23rd 1865.
Friend Hut,
I have a few leisure moments before the mail closes and so will write you a line or two to let you know of my safe arrival in Richmond.
We reached R. last night at about 4 O.clock came through in forty one hours, a very quick trip. We had a very pleasant time to come down the Bay and up the James. We stopped a few moments at Fort Monroe went to the Office to see the Forbes boys, saw Charles but George had not got to his work in the morning so did not see him.
The fellows here seemed very glad to see me although they did not expect me so soon. Fellows that went home three weeks before me have not got home back yet. When I got here the Band and Glee Club were all ready to go up to serenade General Hartsuff and nothing to do but I must go. The teams were all ready to carry us so I got in and went with them. Talk about your fourth of July’s in Worcester they did not begin with the time we had. We had all we could eat and drink. Of course I drank nothing but light drinks such as wines and Lemon punches. We got home about three O.clock this morning and a happier set you never saw.
I found my horse in good spirits took him out and rode him up to the other end of the city this morning he went finely, think he knew me. You called it warm at home but I wish you could be here a few days, then I was none to warm with coat and vest but here me throw off everything but Pants and Shirt and then the sweat pours right out of us as we sit here in the Office I have just been eating boiled corn and am so full that it troubles me to write. It was the first that I had have had this year and it went good. I guess that I did not eat quite a dozen ears but came pretty near to it. I gave the things to Sylvester and told him all about the things at home.
I should enjoy staying here if it was not so d— Hot, but if we should stay here a few months we should share the advantage of you at home for you would be all froze up whilst we should be rolling on the grass under the shade trees.
I have not seen the women yet but probably shall this evening but I must draw this to a close.
Give my respects to all and write soon.
Yours & C
Eldridge Howe
Com. Sergt. 24th Mass.
Richmond, Va.