N.P. Gale to William M. Cooper and C.V. Fort, March 13, 1863

“CAMP OF 11TH N.Y., HAVELOCK BATTERY,
“NEW FALMOUTH, Va., March 13, 1863.

 

“To Messrs. Wm. M. Cooper, Fort, and others.
 

         “GENTLEMEN: - I this day send you a little token of our gratitude, in the form of a card of thanks, with the names of our officers and members of the 11th New York (Havelock) Battery annexed thereto.

         “We should have done so sooner; but our time has been so much employed, that we found it impossible.  Many a time have our boys talked of the kind treatment received from you at the Cooper Shop; and I hope that you will consider the motto yet a good one, viz.: ‘Better late than never.’  The design is rough; but, friends, we are in a rough country, and miss our comforts and conveniences that, were we there, (at home) we could obtain.  We hope to  do our duty to God, our country and our friends, and may God in his mercy hasten the day that we all shall see that flag- the Stars and Stripes- floating over the United States of America, the land we now hope will be the land of the free.  Ah! Many a soldier has thought of your kindness, as he lay down upon his hard couch, and munched the hard cracker; and we will thank you, citizens of Philadelphia, and you may rest assured that a soldier’s thanks are sincere.  You will oblige us, if you will inform us if the memorial gets safe into your hands.
                                                                                                                   “Respectfully yours,
                                                                                                                           “SERGT. N.P. GALE.”