Letter No. 23 pages missing ; date & location known ; preserved here is him writing of news of health issues of folks at home, of wanting to hear the results of a town meeting regarding bounty (system used as an incentive to increase enlistments), of Heaton's auction, of his weight being 149 pounds.
Brief letter writes of returning from a three day picket, of the food and utensils in the recently received box from home, his good health, of witnessing an execution and of stories about the Rebels infiltrating the lines.
Writes to his father of regulations required in reporting money sent through the mail not being received so that in case the situation arises a claim can be submitted ; of wanting to know what auction items were bought, of sugaring season soon in Vermont, of wet, rainy weather in Virginia.
Topics include letters being delayed, the muddy camp in Virginia, winter quarters, inquiring after his brother Albert's schooling, requests a loaf of brown bread, a tin plate & other items, comments on news from home of folks health and passing away.
Snowball fights, reference to the bounty vote, mention of a shoemaker in Company E, of his boots, of wanting a pound of sugar sent and remarks on folks at home.
Still at Brandy Station, Virginia and writes of feeling well, of expecting Gen. Meade to move is head quarters to Culpeper soon, been rifle target practice, Lt. Gen. Grant reviewed the troops, photograph sent home via mail, has heard news of Red River expedition and massacre at Fort Pillow (April... Show moreStill at Brandy Station, Virginia and writes of feeling well, of expecting Gen. Meade to move is head quarters to Culpeper soon, been rifle target practice, Lt. Gen. Grant reviewed the troops, photograph sent home via mail, has heard news of Red River expedition and massacre at Fort Pillow (April 12) where a large number of Black and White troops were killed, mentions lots of opportunities for men to get commissions in the Black regiments. Show less
Writes his health is good, there was a battle on the Rapidan on the 5th, orders given to move out, he on picket duty to remain, could hear the muskets firing, reads in the newspaper Rebels panic stricken in Richmond by Butler's approach, hears talk of moving Confederate capital to Columbia, South... Show moreWrites his health is good, there was a battle on the Rapidan on the 5th, orders given to move out, he on picket duty to remain, could hear the muskets firing, reads in the newspaper Rebels panic stricken in Richmond by Butler's approach, hears talk of moving Confederate capital to Columbia, South Carolina, paymaster in camp, will send money home, has played cards on picket duty to pass the time, thinks folks at home have gotten his picture (photo), expresses appreciation for berries sent. Show less
Writes of substitute soldiers deserting after being paid, of Mosby assisting the deserters, mentions the Confederate pirate sloop ship the Alabama (documented as being sunk in June 1864) and of photographs (ambrotype), of mail being robbed.
Writes of suffering from diarrhea, wanting to subscribe to the local newspaper call the Repository, commenting on the sugar orchard at home and mentions Gen. Grant.
A long letter started on Dec 18th and begun again Dec 25th. Topics include Bradford recovering from sickness, receiving goods from home, boots and shirts, Mr. Bishop eating up some of the eatable food meant for Sparrow due to going so long without food, making strawberry preserves, requesting... Show moreA long letter started on Dec 18th and begun again Dec 25th. Topics include Bradford recovering from sickness, receiving goods from home, boots and shirts, Mr. Bishop eating up some of the eatable food meant for Sparrow due to going so long without food, making strawberry preserves, requesting several hundred pounds of butter and cheese, various utilitarian items including a spider frying pan, a list of items Ira wants, mentions by name other men he has seen and talked to, acknowledges that a letter went missing and recaps what was written in that letter. Show less
Writes of having sent money home, of improved health, of not having a chance to get a photograph made, of two deserters from his company in the guard house, and gives advice as to whom to write in case he is unable to do so, Chaplain Roberts, 4th Vt Regt., Washington, D.C.
