This post script has unfortunately become separated from its original letter. Though brief, its contents reveal that it was written by a soldier named “Ned” [Edward] — called “Uncle Ned” by his comrades — who served in the 6th Minnesota Infantry. It was probably written in the summer of 1863 after the regiment had pursued and pushed hostile bands of Dakota Indians out of Minnesota and into Canada. Upon returning to Fort Snelling, the regiment was disappointed to learn that they would remain on garrison duty in Minnesota throughout the winter and spring of 1863-1864. They were not sent South until the summer of 1864.
Since the author was called “Uncle Ned,” I looked through the entire roster of the 6th Minnesota Regiment looking for an Edward who was more advanced in years than the average soldier. Of the 16 soldiers, I found only one in his mid 30’s (Edward Bryan from Ireland) but he did not join the regiment until 1864.
TRANSCRIPTION
P. S. — We don’t know if we will stop here or not. The report is that we will be ordered to report at Fort Snelling, then be ordered South. I hope so. We have fought Indians at home. Now we want to fight the Rebels. The Minnesota boys are tough. Also we have got our hand in. We can eat little and fight hard. We have got a taste of Indian blood; now we can’t die happy until we get a taste of some Rebel blood. We enlisted to go to Dixie and there we want to go. If we ever go South and am fortunate enough to get into a fight, you will hear that the Six[th] Regiment will come out of the battle with a glorious name. Our regiment has the name of being made up of the best material of any regiment that has left Minnesota.
Your brother, — Ned (or Uncle Ned as the boys call me)
And don’t forget to answer by return of mail. I have gained six pounds since I enlisted.
Spared & Shared 13 