Item No. 5219767

Letter by First Lieutenant Richard M. Johnston of the 39th New Jersey, dated February 23, 1865, during the Siege of Petersburg. Writing from Fort Davis to the city’s south, Johnston gives a short update on his status. The letter reads in full:

Camp 39th Regt N.J. Vols
Fort Davis Va Feb 23 / 65

Dear Sir
Yours has been duly Received with pleasure. I seat myself to answer. Dave I saw Yesterday. He is well and has not Rec’d many letters from you. He is Encamped about 1 mile and 1/2 in the Rear of the front line in a fort known as Fort McMahon. I am sitting up awaiting an Attack from the Enemy. “Let them Rip.” I suppose ere you Rec. this you will hear tell of a Muss and a Large one too. Our forces are on the alert for Mr. John Henry, so I’m Easy.

We are Garrisoning a Fort known as Fort Davis near the Front line or on the front line about 200 yds from the Johnnies’ Forts, so it is a hot spot. I will close now with Regards to all. Remain Ever Your Friend
Dick Johnston

P.S. will write more next time.
Dick

The letter was written in ink on two pages of a small bifolium letter sheet measuring 4” x 6 3/8”. Light foxing and toning. Creased at the original folds.