Waynesboro Franklin Co. Pa.

August 6^th 1862

 

Dear Mother,

                        As in duty bound I proceed to give you a short account of my doings up here in Waynesboro.

 

            The next day after my arrival I commenced a somewhat systematic course of exercise in the way of walks after flowers, bugs &c. rides, bathing &c. but the weather has been so excessively hot that my resolution has given way to some extent and my walks have grown shorter and less frequent.

 

            On Saturday night following the day on which I reached here there was held a war meeting in the public square called the Diamond. There were flags and drums and fife and shouting and singing (by the ladies) all out in the open air. The rostrum or pulpit was made of dry good boxes. A gentleman named Newcomer opened the speaking, and your son followed and then M^r Rippey. Our speeches were received with much applause and seemed to please the people. We talked right at them though it was our first appearance on the stump. /

 

            Well this got us into a mess of business for we were pressed into the service for future speeches in order to fill up the company to be raised in the town and vicinity.

 

            On the following Saturday night we spoke again in the diamond to a still larger crowd. I spoke for an hour and received about 10 fine bouquets from the ladies. We have gone twice to appointments in schoolhouses 3 or 4 miles off in the country and addressed the people there. Of course we are furnished with horse and carriage free. I have still another appointment but it is hardly necessary to fill it so far as the company to be raised is concerned for that is full and overflowing. When we reached here it number 20 or 30, now there are about 130 names on the roll, but they wish to reject all who may be objectionable on account of youth, age, health or any defect, and to have left 101 men picked, who will be as fine soldiers as any in the land. I expect to go to my appointment however in order to entertain the people and prevent disappointment. You see therefore that you have two sons in the service of the country, but using different weapons. /

 

            The people here are exceedingly kind and try to make my stay pleasant but I hardly feel satisfied. The fields and woods have in a great measure lost their charms for me. The times are too exciting. My health is quite fair.

 

            The first Sunday I taught in the Sunday School and gave the children a little talk, but last Sunday I indulged in a nap instead. On both of those days however I heard the Gospel dispensed with (as M^rs Partington says) morning and night.

 

            Last Thursday I spent in the woods on a pic nic with the Methodist Sunday School and enjoyed myself so much that it took me two days to recover from its effects. I should like by the way to know how our S. School is doing, and how Ella Cornelius is, and whether Fred Hoffman has called for his book, and whether you have heard from Frank Sanders in Europe, or the girls in the country.

 

            I intend to answer Hamilton's letter also the kind note from Miss Barry. Write soon and tell me all the news good or bad.

 

My love to the family especially you and Charley     Yours Affectionately

Geo. S. Grape

 

M^rs Charlotte Grape                                                                

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