Letter dated 30 October 1864, from Silas Doolittle, 75^th New York State Volunteer Infantry

 

                                                            Cedar Creek, Va.

                                                                        Oct 30^th, 1864

 

Dear Sister,

I have received several letters from you about 2 weeks ago but have written you but one in that time. but being somewhat at leisure to day I will scratch off a few lines. I wrote Phebe Ann a letter yesterday-have not heard from home since the 18^th.

 

It is rather warm to day & I am feeling first rate. my thumb is nearly well.

 

We are encamped about 1/2 mile from the celebrated Wiers Cave. several of our boys have been over to it but I have not yet. I can pick up any quantity of diamonds such as those you once had. they are in size from a kernel of wheat to a robins egg, but none much larger

 

Henry Blackmore was wounded the 19^th, but I forgot to write about it. he was wounded in the heel, severe.

 

It will take me some time to think of enough to make out a letter. I am going now to fill the canteens at the creek. “isent that interesting”?

 

Nov 3d

Dear Sister,

I know you will scold a little because I have not finished this sooner, but believe me it was next to impossible. I received your welcome letter of Oct 25^th last night. Your fears were groundless in regard to my voting for “Little Mac”. as long as I am trying to put down Treason in the field, I cannot countenance it at the Polls. I have voted & sent it to C.P. Smith, for Lincoln for President & Fenton for Governer.

 

So Mr. Grant has called on you, has he? if you see him or his Sister, give them my Respects & tell them Clark & myself are well & doing finely. Jack is a first rate boy.

 

I have got some money that I would like to send home but I dare not trust it by mail & there are not Express Agents here so I will have to wait awhile.

 

Did Phebe Ann receive the letter I wrote her about a week ago? I hear from Coleman and Alice occasionally. Jason Underhill and John McIntyre were here night before last & made a visit. they are in the 9th N.Y. Art.

 

I suppose you have heard how bad we beat the “Johnnys” here Oct 19^th? they have not showed themselves since, but they may give us another call.

 

I received those Stamps, Envelopes & paper you sent. I have got money enough but cannot get stamps at any price. I have plenty of paper & envelopes I will try to write to Hannah tomorrow or next day. give my respects to Mr. Knapps folks.

 

I will close now, hoping to hear from you soon.

 

                                                                                    Your Loving Brother

                                                                                                Silas Doolittle

                                                                                                Co “H” 75 N.Y.V.V.

                                                                                                1^st Brig 2d Div 19^th A C

                                                                                                Washington, D.C.

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