Frontier Cavalry Trooper: The Letters of Private Eddie Matthews, 1869–1874

6: “Soldiers Are Not Given to Shedding Tears” January–June 1873

193 ✯ ChaPTer sIX “Soldiers Are Not Given to Shedding Tears” january–june 1873 Sometime after returning from the scout on the Staked Plains, Matthews was again promoted to the rank of quartermaster sergeant and was obviously content to resume garrison duty. The lack of mail from home, however, continued to annoy and depress him, even though he apparently had not communicated with his family since shortly after the expedition concluded. Frigid winter weather restricted the troops’ activities, but a rumor was already circulating that they might have to take the field again in the spring. It was not something Eddie relished, but he resigned himself to accepting without complaint whatever he had to endure for the remainder of his time in the army. Meanwhile, he continued to count down the months and days he had left to serve while considering his options for making a living after being discharged the next year. Fort Union, New Mexico january 28, 1873 I hardly know how to write to you this evening. Or do I remember when I ever felt so disheartened. The first mail from the East we have 194 chapter six had now for more than a month arrived this morning. I was all excited and could scarcely wait for it to be opened and distributed so anxious was I to hear from you. But alas for great expectations, for when it was distributed there was nothing for me. Not a word. I tell you “loved Ones” it is hard to be shut off from everything that is dear to me on earth, without so much as knowing whether you were sick or well. Could I only feel satisfied in my mind that, you were all well, I could rest contented, but this living in suspense is killing. I understand there is another mail on the road but don’t know when it will be here. Hope though it will not be long coming. And when it arrives it will bring to me words of your welfare. I believe we are to have weekly mails until the stage animals are well of the Esizootic [epizootic]. Every horse and mule at this post, numbering about one thousand, are sick with the disease. The necessary work of the Garrison is done with Ox Teams. Our horses have the disease very badly, but none have died so far.1 The mail arriving has enlivened the Post a little. Still it is very dull. We have had two of the coldest days just past that I ever felt. Could scarcely stick our nose out without having it frozen. It has moderated a little today. I was quite sick two days last week, but nothing serious. Am quite well now. Well “loved Ones” as usual I will have to close with another short letter. But I think a short letter is preferable to none at all. Write to me soon and often. Fort Union, New Mexico january 30, 1873 Oh but don’t I feel happy this evening. You have no idea how good I feel. Can you imagine what has wraught this wonderful change[?] Or what has occasioned this extroadinary happiness[?] Will not keep you in suspense, but will tell you at once. It had been more than a month since 1 Epizootic catarrh was an epidemic disease afflicting animals throughout the United States during 1872 and 1873. It became so prevalent among army animals that the Quartermaster Department distributed instructions for the treatment of the disease. See ANJ, November 2, 1872, 181; and Bourke, On the Border With Crook, 208. “Soldiers Are Not Given to Shedding Tears” 195 I had heard one word from you. Or in fact received a letter from any person. And as you can imagine [I] was dying for a letter. But this morning brought the mail from the east, and with it came three letters from home. One from Ida White, and a very nice one from Snider Noel. Also received three papers. Now I suppose you can imagine how good it made me feel to sit back and read letter after letter. I felt something like I did when reached Fort Bascom last fall, after the “forty days scout,” when [I] had all those letters and papers to read. My three little brothers have added greatly to my happiness by writing to me. Their letters were all good. And they are deserving of great credit for...