Autograph letter signed, S. P. Morrison, 4 pages, written from camp near City Point, Virginia, dated September 13, 1864, and addressed to his wife. A fine Civil War soldier's letter written during the Petersburg Campaign, offering an intimate glimpse into camp life, family concerns, and military operations during the final year of the war. Morrison acknowledges receipt of letters from home and explains that army mail service had been interrupted because members of his battalion had been captured, resulting in a lengthy delay before correspondence began arriving regularly again. The letter contains several personal and engaging passages. Morrison reports that he has not felt well since returning from the hospital and recounts a recent accident in which a dog startled his horse during a twenty-five-mile ride, causing him to be thrown heavily to the ground. Though not seriously injured, he writes that he is "so sore & stiff today that I can hardly move." He also discusses receiving a package from home, news of his family's move to a more comfortable house, and his daughter's enjoyable visit to Cape Cod. Of historical interest is Morrison's observation that "Grant is preparing for a big fight which must come off very soon," a contemporary reference to military operations around Petersburg and Richmond. He also expresses concern for a missing acquaintance, noting that he has repeatedly written without receiving a reply, and reports that four captured soldiers from his command were being held in the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond. An excellent wartime letter combining family news, health concerns, military life, and firsthand observations from one of the most important campaigns of the Civil War.
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In Camp near City Point Va Sept 13th /64 My dear Wife I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your two letters of 30th Inst & 4th Inst. they both Came yesterday & were truly welcome visitors. Our mails were stopped at Washington for a long time for the reason that our Battalion was all Captured. I wrote to the Postmaster and in a few days we got a very large mail since which time our mails arrive every day punctually. I was up to the front on yesterday & there found the package you sent I am sorry you sent them as they are of no earthly use to one & such packages are attended with such great expense. I was glad to hear that little Mary had a pleasant visit to the Cape & that you at last succeeded in procuring a better & more comfortable house. I wrote you a short letter since I came from the Hospital. I have not felt well at all since I came back to Cap the climax and was coming home from the front yesterday after riding 25 miles, a dog run out & caught my horse by the nose which caused him to jump very suddenly & threw me a very heavy fall although I was not seriously hurt, yet I am so sore & stiff today that I can hardly move. I took 3 blue pills this morning which I hope will help me. I was only about 150 yards from our quarters when I was thrown the qr. Master was with me & were riding side by side, he was more frightened than I. I think it very strange that I cant find out what becomes of poor Gus I have written often but get no answer. I dont hear anymore about my State bounty. Grant is preparing for a big fight which must come off very soon. I have but little news to write. We have heard of four Captured boys. They are all in Libby Prison. With love to the children affectionately S.P. Morrison
