1862-64 Lot of 12 Civil War Union Soldier Letters, Melbourn Marston, NH Private

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1862-64 Lot of 12 Civil War Union Soldier Letters, Melbourn Marston, NH Private:
$587.00

Lot of 12 original letters written by Civil War Union soldier Melbourn Marston, a private in the 14th Regiment of the New Hampshire Infantry. According to our research he enlisted on August 18, 1862 and died in battle on September 19, 1864.One was written on paper illustrated with the US Capitol building. Several different camps are mentioned - see the photos. All 12 letters were written by Marston to a male friend back home in NH. They reference missing being home with his friend and the good times they had hunting and fishing. 11 letters have envelopes and one does not. One letter was written on Sept. 16, 1864 - three days before he died - that letter is transcribed below. They vary in size but each letter measures about 8\" x 5\".
Here is how one letter reads with all his spelling mistakes:
Sept 16th, 1864Camp near Berryville, VA
How are you David. Right on the muscle xx you. I got your letter yesterday, I am glad to hear from you too, It seems you have commenced to sell four patridges and they bringing a good price too I should think. I have thought a good many times lately that I should like to be at home with you this fall and sell down to Greenland with you, there must be a good many down there. I should think that if it is as good weather at home as it is here you would have a good time to sell for it is cool and feels real fall like here. Remember that old poodin apple tree over in Batchelders if you go over across the road and if you should happen to come across any turnips just help yourself to them. Did you go birding any this fal down in the salt marsh. I suppose there a xxx bird once in a while round the mill pond road, isn\'t quite late enough for ducks and teal is it? I would give a dollar if I had a good boat. Baked for my dinner today I may have a chance to get one this fall. I think there is some chance to get home at election. There is a good deal of talk about it here. Do you hear anything about it at home? If you do just let me know when you write again. I hope it is so but I think it is rather doubtful case that xxx xxx hard want it. Perkins and Leamprey want it time so near out. I suppose you knew Bradriek was killed Jim Green was in camp the other day, he said that Bradriek was killed in a battle near Charlottsville VA and his body was left on the field. I heard you had enlisted xxx xxx you for thunder seek and list you will get sick of it if you have to live xxx xxxx and have had to xxx, now let me tell you. I haven\'t eaten a meal of vitchuals but what I have cooked for six weeks each one have to do his own cooking. If you are drafted you wrist will clear you I should think. If I was out of this xxx and was not likely to be drafted, I will bet you would not catch me in it again xxx xx what the cause is all right. But to some out here and be kicked around by such a dammed xxx of officers I can\'t see it. The 25th of this month will be two years in the service and one more to serve and if I get along as well the next year as well as I have in the past I shall call myself lucky. Where is xxx Davis? I have not heard a word about him in a while. Did you go to the camp meeting this fall and if so what kind of a time did you have? I will close now and write soon, from your old friend M. Marston. PS Excuse all mistakes and bad writing. Much obliged for the paper and envelopes you sent it will come white handy. MM
Condition: Good condition, small tears and stains. See the photos.
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