Letter re Civil War Marriages 1862 Upstate NY History

Description

Letter re Civil War Marriages 1862 Upstate NY History
A letter dated December 28, 1862 from Minnie in Schenectady, New York to Jill in Lansingburgh, New York. On notepaper measuring about 8" x 9 3/4". The paper was folded in half to create four pages, but only two were used for writing.
The writer discusses the then-prevalent practice of men marrying immediately before they leave for war. She disapproves of it. The letter contains other details about men the writer knew who enlisted and one who was taken prisoner and then "paroled" home.
Condition is very nice. The notepaper was high quality and has lasted well. The writing is clear, distinct, and easily read. There are visible lines where the letter was folded into a small envelope.
Our transcription follows:
[Page 1]
Schenectady Dec. 28th 1862
Friend Minnie
Pardon this long delay in not writing to you, for which I have no other excuse than negligence and for all my waiting I have nothing of interest to communicate. It is rather dull just now, my brother is still sick in Baltimore [and] has been so since last April. I came home from the West shortly after you went to Troy after having enjoyed myself finely for 11 weeks although disappointed in not visiting you and your people. I expected to of seen you before this as I
[page 2]
have a friend in Troy that I intended to visit and then I thought I should go to Lansingburgh and see you, it is so near New Year's now that I shall have to wait two or three weeks before I go.
We have had one letter from Noble since you was here telling us he was a married man and was going to War, it is quite fashionable to be married now-adays before going to War, several of my friends having done the same. [F]or my part I do not admire it much.
While I was up West I visited several families by the name of Wilcox and they were very excellent people.
My brother that was in college has enlisted and gone too -- well no one knows where he is in Banke's expedition and he is a man and I think the only one that keeps his business to himself. He enlisted without the consent of any of us, we felt very sadly indeed to have him go, but go he would. We hear nothing of Salisbury. Mother and Father send their respects, hoping you may enjoy a happy New Year I remain your friend.
With much love to you
Jill
My Eddie has returned from the War, as a paroled prisoner. He paroled home. Write soon. Come and see me.
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