Silas C. Doolittle to Sister, 13 November 1864
Letter dated 13 November 1864, from Silas Doolittle, 75th New York State Volunteer Infantry
In the Field near Newton, Va.
Nov 13th, 1864
Dear Sister,
Thinking perhaps you would like to hear from me again, I take the present opportunity of informing you.
We left our old camp at Cedar Creek nov 9th at 10 A.M. and marched here. a distance of about 10 miles. the Johnny Rebs are out here a few miles, but dont think they will venture to disturb us Judging from their past experience, but perhaps they will give us another try.
I got all my back letters a few nights ago. several from you & Mother & Phebe Ann; and some stamps. I also received on from each of the Misses Spencer, which I duly answered & expect a reply soon.
I think we will go into winter quarters before long. the cold weather now begins to remind us of its speedy approach, but I have got plenty of clothing & everything comfortable. Cassius Prindle, Daniel Burns and Myself tents togather & have got a fireplace built of limestone & turf. it is as cosy as you please.
The prospect of out getting Discharged this fall grows fearfully slim, but think I can get a furlough this Winter if we get into Winter Quarters in any kind of season. Perhaps I can get one for 10 or 15 days. You may rest assured I will try my best.
I would like to send some money home but dont see how I can, as there is no express here & I dare not trust it by mail. as soon as I can get a chance I will send $50.00 or $75.00.
I received a letter from Coleman a few nights ago. he was well. It seems he has “broken off” with “Janey”, but dont know the reason. I guess from the way he spoke he “did’ent like her style”. dont tell him I said so though.
Does you and Phebe Ann work in the shop yet? and do you intend to do so this winter? How does Mr. Knapps folks get along? is Mr. Knapps health any better than it was awhile ago? I have not seen Julius in some time. he is at Winchester working at his trade. have not heard from Daniel since he was taken prisoner.
The letters that I got from my fair correspondents were very good ones, Patriotic, etc. I hear Lincoln is elected by a large Majority—hope so.
It is a very cold day to day & I am keeping pretty close to home. mutton pies are decidedly on the rise. now isent that queer?
Through the day we keep pretty quiet, but at night we all gather around the fire & one will sing & all strike in one the chorus, & a noisier crew you never saw, & a happy one too.
I am going to try to write to Hannah to day if I can. tell Phebe Ann she must write also.
Now, dear Sister, you must not wait for me to write but write as often as you can. I will write again in a few days, and till then, Au ‘revoir’.
Your Loving Brother
Silas Doolittle
Co “H” 75 N.Y.V.V.
1st Brig 2d Div 19th Corps
Washington, D.C.
DATABASE CONTENT
| (2520) | DL0525.009 | 44 | Letters | 1864-11-13 |
Letter From Silas Doolittle, 75th New York Infantry, In the Field Near Newton, Virginia, November 13, 1864, to His Sister
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Camp/Lodging, Discharge/Mustering Out, Election of 1864, Food, Furloughs, Marching, Money, Weather
People - Records: 1
- (1033) [writer] ~ Doolittle, Silas C.
Places - Records: 1
- (102) [origination] ~ Danville, Virginia
SOURCES
Silas C. Doolittle to Sister, 13 November 1864, DL0525.009, Nau Collection
