111th Pennsylvania Infantry & 22nd Veteran Reserve Corps - Camp Chase

Item LTR-9643

Description

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


Camp Chase
October 24th 1865

Respected Friend,
Mr. Barnes

I take the favorably opportunity of addressing a few lines to you hoping they will find you and your wife and family in the enjoyment of good health. I hope you will excuse me for not writing sooner but we had moving from one place to another. So since we settled down awhile here, I thought I would let you know how I am getting along this last month back. I got very poor health. I have got a great cold and it settled in my eyes but the doctor says they will soon be well again.

I would wish to know how you are getting along and how your crops turned out this season. And how many men working for you and who they are. Also let me know how the new sawmill works or who runs it. Also, if you are lumbering this winter. In fact, I would like to know all the changes there since I left.

There is great talk of us getting out of the service this winter. And if we do I will go and see all my friends in Sheffield. I hope you will have some employment for me again. You know I would rather work for you than any other man in the states.

When you wrote last to me, James Donelson was in bad health. I would wish to know how he is getting along since I last heard from him. I would wish to know how the oil business is getting along or are they near your land or place.

There is nothing important of news here to send you. So I conclude by sending you my best respects.

From your humble servant,

James A. Stapleton

I forgot to give my best respect to Miss Rose Barnes and Timoth Barnes and to Miss Letty Barnes and to Miss Patty Barnes.

I hope they won’t be angry with me for my good manners.

Goodbye and God Bless you all.

Camp Chase, Ohio
Company B, 22nd Regiment VRC

Give my best respects to Casey Barnes and family and also to Miss Rose and family and Mr. Osgood and family.

Write soon to me for fear we would be moved from here.