Letter dated 1 May 1864, from Silas Doolittle, 75^th New York State Volunteer Infantry

 

                                                            Camp Grant, Va.

                                                                        Apr May 1^st, 1864

 

Dear Sister,

to day being Sunday & everything quiet, I take the present opportunity of dropping You a few lines. I have averaged 2 letters per week ever since I have been here, but I must try & make up for by & by when I cant write very often. I am going to send You mine & Sargt Greens Photos we got taken here. they are not very good, but perhaps you can tell something how we look. Now, you must send yours & Mothers as soon as you can. I have got one of Col Merritts Pictures & will send it next time.

 

I got a letter from Coleman Night before last. he is well. we had some great fun yesterday. 15 or 20 of us got a blanket & all took hold of it around the edges & got a fellow on it & tossed him up. sometimes he would go up from 16 to 18 feet & we would catch him on the Blanket so it would not hurt him & we would take turns in going up. we got a Nigger & tossed him up; to Cuffeys great terror & the delight of the Officers & men. This fuss we reapeted till night & darkness forced us to desist.

 

how does Catlins folks, or more particularly, “Loved Am” get along? “Hemily, kiss your T.J.”?

 

Now you must write & let me know all the Details & everything else. how is Annie Stiles getting along? (do you refuse mutton chops)?

 

we were mustered for pay yesterday but dont know how soon we will get it.

 

I hear that Josephine Fosters man, Lex Kerns, has dusted for Canada. well, he might

 

as well be there as anywhere, for he is no good in the Army.

 

Phebe Ann was mistaken in the supposition that we were shut up, for we are not, nor are we like to be for the present.

 

I guess for want of news I will close, hoping to hear from you soon.

 

                                                                                    Your Affectionate Brother

 

                                                                                                Silas Doolittle

 

                                                                        Hemily, my Dear, Kiss your T.J.

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