2nd Louisiana Infantry - Elmira Prisoner

Item CON-5116

Description

1 page original Confederate soldier's letter dated July 25, 1864.

Elmira Barracks, NY
July 25th 1864

Mr. J. N. Kimball

My Dear Friend,

I was no doubt a little surprised on the arrival of many of my friends from Point Lookout yesterday. Among the number I expected to find you but was disappointed in my expectations. It was not long before I meet Gregory and McPherson who told me of your welfare and the cause of you not coming to this City. I do not blame you at all for not coming if I was situated as you are at this time. I would go home under all circumstances, for it is one thing certain there is no place like home. With kind parents and friend to be among, there is nothing like it. Yet as I have ever seen in all my travels, if you should get off to go home. I hope you may have a good time of it. I know you will get a wife if you succeed in making the trip. I am sorry to learn you didn’t receive the letter I wrote you on the 7th of July giving such a good description of Elmira. I am very much pleased with our change of camp. We have vine water here and we are in a very healthy place. As for rations, you can judge pretty well by this time as you have been a prisoner long enough to know how things is with us. This leaves me enjoying fine health and hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same good blessings. I remain your true friend.

P. A. Sanders