4th Pennsylvania Cavalry - Andersonville POW

Item LTR-9573

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Camp Campbell
Washington, DC

December the 8th 1861

Dear Father,

I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well. Hoping that when you receive these few lines you will all be enjoying the same blessing. From what I can understand, there is a great difference in the weather there and here. This day is very warm. It is that warm that we can go around without our coats. It is the warmest weather here that ever I experienced this time of year. The boys in all well. Tom Gray is getting stout again. We enjoy ourselves very well here. There are great movements here of the troops around Washington. There are thousands of men here and they have got marching orders. We have got marching orders. We are ready and waiting every minute to go. There is going to be a big fight this week. Every man on the other side of the river has got marching orders. And we expect to meet with hot times soon. There is great movements here. There is thousands and thousands of men on the move here. Moving every day to the other side of the river. It is a wonderful place with soldiers. I have very little to write these few lines. I want you to write down as you get this. I have not got the box yet. But will get it soon. Give my respects to all the friends. I am in good health and spirits. Thank God for his manifold blessings.

That is all at present.

Still remain your son till death. So good bye and God bless and take care of you all.

James H. Duff

I sent home two pictures and I want you to let me know if you got them. I intended to write a letter to Mr. Farley and Frank Duff. But I have not had time yet. And I don’t want you and Mother to fret about me. I will do the best I can. And I hope that God will take care of me in the hour of danger.

Tell Joe Duff to write soon. That is all.

Still remaining your son,

James Henry Duff

To his Father, Davidson Duff