Letter dated 7 August 1864, from Silas Doolittle, 75^th New York State Volunteer Infantry

 

                                                            Camp in the field

                                                            near Harpers Ferry, Va.

                                                                        Aug 7^th, 1864

 

Dear Sister,

To day being Sunday, and everything quiet, I will improve it in writing to you. I am still with the 38^th Mass., but expect to get to the Regt this week. I expect they are at Georgetown, D.C.

 

I wrote to Mother a few days ago informing her that Clark Grant and Myself got left in New Orleans. we were over to the City and the Regt went so sudden and unexpected that we got left. we went immediately and Reported to Gen Grover, Comdg. 2d Div., and he gave us a letter to report to the 159^th N.Y. Vols. for transporation to our Regt, but when they left the boat was so full we could not go with them. so we were ordered to report to the 11^th Ind. on board the Steamship Cassandra and left New Orleans July 20^th, and arrived at Washington July 29^th, and found that our Regt. had stopped at City Point and were at Petersburg. we then went to Georgetown and were ordered to report to the 38^th Mass. we then come by rail road to Frederick Junction and staid there 3 or 4 days, then come by rail road to Harpers Ferry, and yesterday we marched out of town 4 miles and are now encamped in what is Called Bolivar Heights. we expect the Regt along every day, but two of the Boys have just gone to Col Mullinaux, Comdg the Detatchment, to get us a pass to go to them. And am in hopes that by the time you answer this I will be to the Regt to receive it. Mrs. Knapp can tell you probably where to Direct it to get to the regt.

 

I am enjoying good health and feel first rate. there is nothing of any importance to write so I will wind up but will write you a good long one when I get to the Regt. Do you hear from Coleman often? I have not in sometime.

 

                                                                                    Your Affectionate Brother

                                                                                                Silas Doolittle

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