Houghton Civil War Letters

Andover July 8th 1863

Mr Warren

Dear friend I received yours of the 7th at this moment, I was quite surprised to hear of a picnic in Stow. I am glad to hear that you had such a pleasant time. You spoke about my postponeing purchasing my Hdk'fs Sock. &c untill you come I can do it.

About my going to Mr. H, it was his own proposition about my having a vacation it would never have entered my head if he had not mentioned it. I will give you his words "Herbert will stay untill Sept, and any time before that will do if you wish to visit.

after school." I went to Boston on the 4th saw Mrs Root and family they were well. I had a very good time saw the regalla Balloon ascension and fire works.

July 14th 1863 I have thought a week more or less on about going to Mr Hayward immediately after school closes and have come to the conclusion that as I should not have thought of it without having mentioned it first. I do not see any reason, why I should not have a few days time, before I went to work, your letter convinced me that it would not be hardly fair, to take until the 1st of Sept, but I do not think it would be the least unfair to take a week to see my Grandparents. I do not think Mr. Hayward

would have offered to me a vacation unless he thought it would do me good; and thinking over all these reasons I wish very much to accept, with your approval, a vacation to last not less than a week or more than ten days.

School closes two weeks from to day, (tuesday).

Mr. Bridgeman teacher in the classical department has been drafted I have not heard wether he is going or not, none of the Academy boys have been drafted although several expect and a great many more wish to be; some of the theological students have been drawn to go.

What a terrible riot is raging in New York it is a disgrace to our country and I for one would like to see the streets of N.Y. run red with the blood of the

rioters.

The Female Seminary held there anniversary to day we boys are not allowed to attend to bad, is it not. We are having quite a storm here to day not only to day but for three or four days in succession.

As I wish to write another letter this evening I must close.

Please give my respects to Mrs Warren.

Yours truly, Eugene C Houghton

Andover July 1863

Mr Warren

Dear friend I have just got through examinations tomorrow are the closing exercises and Wednesday I go to Boston. I think I shall try to enlist in a Battalion or the Cavalry if I can get in. The Board bill was increased about a dollar or more and that with some photographs that I was abliged to [get] increased my expenses more than I intend so that I shall need more money. I have got enough to go to Boston with. I am afraid you will think that I have spent more than is needful that I will not deny; but I have not spent so much