1864: John Harrison Hall to Eli Walter Osborn

This letter was written by Lt. John Harrison Hall (1837-1920), the son of Joel and Hannah (Beach) Hall of Wallingford, New Haven county, Connecticut.

John enlisted as a private in Co. K, 15th Connecticut Volunteers in August 1862 and was appointed a 4th Sergeant when he mustered in. In December 1862, he was promoted to 3d Sergeant and in March 1864 he was commissioned 2d Lieutenant of his company.

John wrote the letter to Major E. Walter Osborn of the 15th Connecticut.

Lt. John H. Hall, Co. K, 15th Connecticut, letter with his image

TRANSCRIPTION

New Bern, North Carolina
Saturday, September 17th 1864

Maj. E. Walter Osborne
Dear Sir,

Fearing that on your return you might wish to take the shortest route to this place, I send this line to inform you that you must on no account come through the Canal. Reported here that it has been burnt.

I beg leave to inform you that your Hat has been found so you must expect to see it in your return to New Bern.

Enjoy yourself, Major, is the wish.

Yours respectfully, — J. H. Hall