1862 LETTER FROM GORHAM, MAINE

Written on a beautiful full color Union patriotic letter sheet
"I hope this [war] will soon come to an end and have peace again in our country."

4 pages, 5 x 8, in ink, written by Benjamin Frey, to George H. Yeckley, on a beautiful full color patriotic letter sheet featuring Columbia holding a sword and the American flag. Very fine condition. Desirable patriotic stationary used in 1862.

Gorham, (Maine), February the 5th, 1862

Mr. George H. Yeckley,

Dear Sir,

My friend I must once more take the opportunity to write to you for I shall be glad to hear from an old friend again. Well George, there has been a great change in Gorham since you left here. Now I will tell you some of the changes that happened here with me. For one thing I have only enjoyed married life a little over a year. It was a happy one too, but the Lord seen fit to part us again in our happiness. I suppose you heard who I married. It was Dear Lovine E., but she is gone now. We shall never see her again in this world. She died the 9 of Dec. 1861. My little boy died 4 of Nov. 1861. When Lovine died she left me with a little girl, only two weeks old. I have given up keeping house, and July has took my baby home to her Father. It is well and a gaining. The rest of my Father-in-Laws folks are all well and I am well at present. I hope these few lines may find you the same George. This is a lonesome winter for me, but I must submit to my lot. There may be sunshine again for me now. George, I will tell you that I have been out west and what parts. I left home the 2nd of Jan. 1860. I went to Ohio. I stayed there until spring. From there I went to Ind.[iana] & on through to Wisconsin. I stayed there through the summer. In the fall I made my return home again. I seen a great deal of the western country while I was gone, and got pretty well satisfied too of it for one route. When I got home I found some changes myself, but no matter I soon brought the changes all right. The shame was that me & Lovine had a little boy to see to now so we got married the 8th of Oct. 1860 & lived happily together as ever a married couple did in this world. We lived right across the road from my father in a house that my father bought of the Dunn Boys, and moved there, and I worked for my father in the copper shop. Me & Lovine had everything arranged very comfortably for new beginners, but now all hopes is blasted, but I hope to meet her in Heaven where there will be no more parting, but the ever lasting joy. Lovine spoke about you a great many times and of the old times we used to all have together. She had your likeness so me & her could see you. It recalled us back to the old times we use to all have together, but now she is gone & left me & you and all of us we will never hear her voice again. About your brother enlistin (he is referring to John A. Yeckley, who served in Co. E, 28th New York Infantry) I guess you know as much about them as I do. Your folks are all well as far as I know. The news is nothing but we are now a daze. I guess it is the same where you are, but I hope this will soon come to an end and have peace again in our country. [he is referring to the Civil War now almost ready to start its second year]. George we have now got a brass band of music in our great city of Bethel. There is nine in the band. I will bring my letter to a close for this time. I shall be greatly pleased to hear from you soon. Write as soon as you get this letter. My best respects and wishes to you from your old friend.

Benjamin Frey

I hope to see you soon. I thought you would have made us a visit before this time. Good bye.

Very bold and neatly written letter with some heart breaking content regarding the loss of his wife and child, and his desire for the war to end and have peace restored in the country.