Civil War Letter to Millsboro
The following letter was transcribed by Anna
Lynn Cauffield Burns of Anaheim, CA and submitted for inclusion at
the Genealogy in Washington Co., PA
web site in June 1997.
Anna writes:
This is the text of a letter received by Margaret Louise Lynn Caufield
from a
soldier during the Civil War. The original belongs to a family member.
Letter postmarked Brownsville, Pa July (?)
Addressed: Miss M L Lynn, Millsboro, Washington Co, Pa
Bermuda Hundred, Va
July 12, 1864
Miss Maggie:
Doubtless you will be somewhat surprised at the reception of this note and
wonder in your mind who it is that has had the impudence to thus address you.
However I hope after you have kindly considered the matter you will hold me
guiltless.
In the first place consider our position, hundreds of miles from home and
friends in an enemy country: here we are constantly exposed to the deadly
missles from the enemy hurled into our midst and more than this the many
diseases that ever follow camp life are to be dreaded by the soldiers.
In hours of affliction is the time a soldier feels most the want of that
dear mother, kind sister, or fond brother. But as we cannot be blessed with
the society of our friends while we are in the army why can I not have some
good letters from the Patriotic and Union loving ladies of the North? I think
I may. I think you will write me at least one. Nothing is better adapted to
promote the happiness of a soldier while in the field than plenty of good
letters. Camp life becomes loathsome and monotonous after we have staid in
one place untill I could point out every particular spot of ground or perhaps
point to every leave of vegetation growing on it. I must acknowledge we have
not wanted for excitement here though, most expecially that of the field of
battle.
This is a very mild and beautiful evening. The sunlight has fallen from the
leaaves of the forest and lingers no longer on the summits of the Western
hills. Every thing so calm, the air so pure and a gentle zephyr playing by
me, it makes me long for to be at home again that I mgiht take a walk on some
of those fine evenings with some of my lady friends.
I heard from you a short time since; an Officer from our regiment was
passing up the River on the Boat and he saw you standing in the door of your
dwelling. He waved his handkerchief. he did not know whether you recognized
him or not. He was not close enough to speak to you. He is an old
acquaintance of yours. I was at Millsboro last fall when I was on furlough
but I did not see you. Is Amanda Evans teaching school this summer? If so,
where at?
I shall not trouble with a long letter this time but if you condescend to
answer this imperfect note I will be most happy to entertain you the next
time with something more interesting. And as I know generosity and
benevolence to be two prominant features of character, I have no fears but
you will answer it and write me a long letter. Tis under this impression
that I bid you adieu. Truly your friend, Frank S. Morley
To Maggie Lynn
Address> Frank S Morley
Comp "F" 85th PV
Washington, DC
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