Letter to and un-known Civil War soldier: Chelsea, Apr. 7, 1862 Dear Nephew, For a few moments I am again to write you a few lines. We have not been very well. We have had bad colds and some sore mouths, but we hope this will find you in good health and good spirits. Mary, Adeline, and Frank have just gone from here. They are all well. I have got…

The letter is signed by “Wm J B…..” and dated “October the 5 : 18 and fast asleep.” The author tells us he’s writing from camp near the Rapidan River in Orange County, Virginia. The writer is most like William and in the correspondence he mentions a letter from his cousin John Lyons and gives Johns’ address in care of the 48th Mississippi Regiment, Poseys’ Brigade, Andersons’ Division (official records…

Confederate letters do not come up as often as Union ones and for various reasons. So when one does come up as exceptional as this one I like to highlight it. The soldier is S. N. Duncan, there are 40 that came up in the Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System. Duncan speaks very passionately about the war, why he is fighting, about Abolitionism, and his fallen comrades. Truly an…

Camp 4 miles south of Strasburg, Va. March 29th, 1862 My dearest Eliza, Time continues with its changes, of which we are at times its subjects. Since last I wrote we have had a battle, gained a victory and advanced 24 miles further to the south. I think I told you of an intended advance soon to take place but it came sooner than intended. On Saturday afternoon last the…