VA records in Washington show four Civil war veterans still alive, including Hard. They receive pensions of $1,440 a year. The budget for next year includes a pension for only one.Hard, oldest of the four, snort-ed:“It won't be me who will be dead. I expect to live for many more years. I’ve cut down to five cigars a day. ! feel fine. I eat fine. Ami I sleep fine.”! He will be 111 July 15.