(Faded ink of letter almost illegible. Envelope postmarked New Orleans, La., Nov 21, 1863. To Mr. Isaac Carhart Tanktown Delaware Co., Ohio. Envelope inscribed ‘Soldier’s Letter 96th OVI D. A. Stark Adjt.’ Reverse of envelope in same writing ‘Mr. Frank Newcomb, Co 66th 2 Batallion, 9 Co Camp Hopkins, Galipolis, Ohio.’ This address is written on the back of the envelope three times!)
New Iberia Nov. 17th 1863
Friends at home
Your letter of October 21 was received night before last. I am glad to learn that you keep well as usual. I am sorry to hear that Mother has poor health. I should think there could be something done for her that could help her.. You spoke some time ago about selling and going to Wood Co. and wanted me to tell you what I thought about it.If I was at home I could tell better what I would do. by what I can understand by those that have been there Wood Co. is a very rich Co.. It is new and very level country. They tell me the land all has to be ditched before it can be worked. I understand the land you are talking of buying is unimproved therefore it will have to be ditched the first thing. no doubt it would make a very nice farm if it was improved but you know you are getting to old to start anew again. You have all you could ask for to make you comfortable where you are all you want is a little more land. and the question is wheather it would be better to leave your Buildings and orchard and other conveniences to get more land. You must do as you think best. No doubt if I was there I would be in favor of traiding. but it may be some time before I can be with you. If you do trade I will let you have all the money I have to help you. It seems Old Vallandingham did not make much of a go in Ohio, only at Camp Chase. He seems to have done pretty well there. I should think it would bore the Copperheads a little. You must have had quite a nice time at Delaware celebrating the Election of old Johnny Brough. It must have been quite amuseing but I am not in favor of such kind of sprees.. it shows a very good spirit in the people. still I think they could spend their money in a much better way at the present day. If they do not feel like going to fight their countries Battles let them spend their money in helping those that have gone. Now is the time the County needs this assistance. Let them all join heart and hands and drive the Traitor from the land.. I understand Mr. George Flag & Molly Steambeck have finally got married, what a dreadful time.. I should have thought they would have sparked it 2 or 3 years longer. And Maee Mary him. Who in creation bowed so high and stooped so low as to take him. You spoke of Uncle Thomas Alls folks coming to spend the evening. how do they get along. I dont know as I have heard Alls name mentioned before since I have been in the Army.. We are still at New Iberia fortifying. the weather is very pleasant it has not rained for most two weeks. My health is very good at present. the boys that are left with me are well. I will close tending many wishes for your future happiness. Lu Carhart.
(In even smaller penmanship across top left of letter) You said that Orve wanted you to tell me that him and Frank had gone after the Cows. Tell Orve I would like to be there and go a hunting with him and Frank.
((Top of first page)
Almeda I got that piece of your cloak it is very nice indeed