Cambria County, Pennsylvania - Civil War Letters home

You are here: Cambria > Military > Letters > Luke Behe, 24 Dec 1863

Letters home from the Civil War

Contributed by David Monahan

Image Transcription

Look Out Valley
Dec 24, 1863

My Dear Father & Mother,

I am throwing away a chance to pay you a visit. Before this reaches you the 28th Regiment will be on its way home where it will remain for thirty days. I must confess that it is a sore temptation to resist. I do not know what you will say when you come to learn the conditions they are nothing more or less than three years in the army. I have no words to explain my feelings in this stepping from amongst a company of men tried by fire and worthy of being comrades of the best soldiers. When we part, it shall feel like parting with so many brothers, but for your sakes it

shall be as you wish. It does not take a very great prophet to forsee the end of this war to be at no great distance from us. I believe this to be a just war and I want to see the haughty South humbled into the dust and if God spares my life to serve out my term, when that term expires and I return home I will stand by the Administration in Sunshine and Shade for it is this and this only that can save our country. My sister Mary wrote me that you did not wish me to re-enlist and at that time I had no idea of it (and in fact had no idea of it at any time) but when I saw nearly all of my comrades putting down their names, I felt it hard to conquer my pride, but now I say it and once for all that I will not re-enlist but will come home as soon as I am free.

In addition to getting home there is a pension of 100 dollars paid each veteran volunteer. I think it likely I will be transferred to some other Regiment and Corps, do not write till I write you again. I believe there is an attempt to take Lieut. Kaylor's remains home. I will send one Colts navy revolving pistol and moulds, a cartridge box and cap pouch along with Lieut Kaylor's effects. I wish for Elias to go and get these things and keep them for me. We are in winter quarters and I am in good health. I went out hunting the other day and I saw two deer and a large turkey gobbler. I am going out tomorrow again. I think I will kill one this time. Give my love to sister Mary brothers Henry, Elias and James and above all remember that I have not forgotten either of you.

Your affectionate son,

Luke Behe

Image	Transcription
	Look Out Valley Dec 24, 1863 My Dear Father & Mother, I am throwing away a chance to pay you a visit. Before this reaches you the 28th Regiment will be on its way home where it will remain for thirty days. I must confess that it is a sore temptation to resist. I do not know what you will say when you come to learn the conditions they are nothing more or less than three years in the army. I have no words to explain my feelings in this stepping from amongst a company of men tried by fire and worthy of being comrades of the best soldiers. When we part, it shall feel like parting with so many brothers, but for your sakes it
	shall be as you wish. It does not take a very great prophet to forsee the end of this war to be at no great distance from us. I believe this to be a just war and I want to see the haughty South humbled into the dust and if God spares my life to serve out my term, when that term expires and I return home I will stand by the Administration in Sunshine and Shade for it is this and this only that can save our country. My sister Mary wrote me that you did not wish me to re-enlist and at that time I had no idea of it (and in fact had no idea of it at any time) but when I saw nearly all of my comrades putting down their names, I felt it hard to conquer my pride, but now I say it and once for all that I will not re-enlist but will come home as soon as I am free.
	In addition to getting home there is a pension of 100 dollars paid each veteran volunteer. I think it likely I will be transferred to some other Regiment and Corps, do not write till I write you again. I believe there is an attempt to take Lieut. Kaylor's remains home. I will send one Colts navy revolving pistol and moulds, a cartridge box and cap pouch along with Lieut Kaylor's effects. I wish for Elias to go and get these things and keep them for me. We are in winter quarters and I am in good health. I went out hunting the other day and I saw two deer and a large turkey gobbler. I am going out tomorrow again. I think I will kill one this time. Give my love to sister Mary brothers Henry, Elias and James and above all remember that I have not forgotten either of you. Your affectionate son, Luke Behe