69th Indiana Soldier Writing from Matagorda Island, Texas
69th Indiana Soldier Andrew J. Minick Writing from Matagorda Island, Texas on March 24, 1864 to his family.
Matagorda Island, TX
March 24, 1864
Dear Parents,
I sit down to write you a few lines to let you know I am in good health and hope these few lines will find you all in good health. It has been some time since I have heard from you so I thought I would write and see what is the matter.
I expect before you get this letter you will see some of the Veteran 8 boys and they can tell you more than I can write you on this small sheet. I have nothing of importance to write to you at this time for there is nothing new occurs in camp at all.
I expect the men are fixing to plow in Indiana and I would like to be there and help. I think it would suit me better than soldering does. Well, our time is slipping away faster than it ever has. As it appears so to us we will have two years put in before we know it and what appears as long as the first six months did and I would be very glad if the last six months was (cancelled?). And it will soon be eight months since I left home, and I would like to be at home this fall, but it's too far to get a furlough from here. For it would take a man a month to go home and cast a good sum of money to boot ."turn to the next side"
I expect the 69th will have a chance to volunteer as veterans after they have put in two years. They can all do as they please but as for me, I will volunteer for a lifetime but to stay at home. Still it is a nice thing for them that like it. I sold my self one and that will do me. You can rest easy about that. If I live to get out, I'll come home and stay out of service. I don't want you to work hard this summer as there is no use in it. I hear Congress has passed a law to raise the solder's pay to 20 a month instead of 18. I wish ha. It would nearer the fair thing.
I heard too that we had another fight in Tenn. but haven't heard the results yet. But I hope we whipped them. I will close by asking you to write soon and give respects to all inquiring friends.
Your son until death
Andrew J. Minick
Write soon
Goodbye to all
Andrew