Loomis T. Palmer to Elliot Palmer and Florilla S. Palmer, 15 October 1863
Centreville Va. Oct 15th 63.
Dear Parents.
Once again I head my letter from this place. We left Catletts Station on the 13th being the rear guard of the Army to Manassas Junction where we were relieved by the 5th Corps. The Johnys followed us close but I think they will never dare to attack us in our presant position. God grant that he may for shure death & defeat will be his doom I fear Lee is too much of a General to risk it. let him come we can easily whip him although our Army is reduced perhaps to 50,000 as we have sent two of the largest Corps (11th & 12th) to help the Army of "Little Rosa" We have not been forced to do this through / defeat Nay, the Army is in better spirits to-day than when Lee & his minions fled from the victorious Army at Gettysburg Yes Dear Parents. Your son only wishes that Lee will bring every man he can scrape up & attack us with numbers thrice our own we are the Army that have always bucked against Johny Rebs fortifications & stone walls. let him try his hand now.
The mail is about to leave & I must bring this to a close never fear for your son if he is permitted he will do his duty & God helping him will never show himself a coward. sooner let me fall, than to show myself weak & backward in sustaining our cause. I ask dear Parents that you will never forget your son Loomis, & remember him / as one who fought for his country
No more at presant, as ever
I remain Your Afft Son
Loomis T. Palmer.
12274
DATABASE CONTENT
(12274) | DL1786.011 | 187 | Letters | 1863-10-15 |
Tags: Battle of Gettysburg, Cowardice, Death (Military), Defeat/Surrender, Fighting, High Morale, Honor, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Robert E. Lee
People - Records: 3
- (4428) [writer] ~ Palmer, Loomis T.
- (4429) [recipient] ~ Palmer, Elliot
- (4441) [recipient] ~ Palmer, Florilla S. ~ Sumner, Florilla
Places - Records: 1
- (395) [origination] ~ Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia
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SOURCES
Loomis T. Palmer to Elliot Palmer and Florilla S. Palmer, 15 October 1863, DL1786.011, Nau Collection