Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages on a single folded sheet illustrated with a colorful patriotic eagle-and-flags letterhead captioned "OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG." Written from Waterloo, New York, during the Civil War, to a family member identified as "Franky." The writer reports from a military encampment, describing routine camp life, picket duty, provisions, weather, visits by senior officers, and the funeral of a fellow soldier. The correspondent notes that "everything is so quiet and dull here that there is nothing to write about," but proceeds to provide a vivid glimpse of life in camp. He mentions that General Pope had recently come to nearby Warrenton, accompanied by "the President and some others," and comments on the increasingly strict military regulations governing movement into and out of camp. The writer complains of shortages and difficulty obtaining supplies, remarking that soldiers are often unable to secure provisions and must rely upon pickets to prevent men from slipping away in search of food. He describes gathering berries, cooking sauce and bread, and the monotony of camp existence. The letter closes with an account of a military funeral: troops marching in review behind a band playing a dirge for a deceased soldier. The attractive patriotic stationery, combined with references to General John Pope, military discipline, supply problems, camp cooking, and a soldier's funeral, make this an appealing and evocative Civil War camp-life letter. Such firsthand accounts provide valuable insight into the everyday experiences of Union soldiers beyond the battlefield. Condition: Folded as mailed, with expected wear, light toning, and some fading to the pencil manuscript; patriotic letterhead remains attractive and colorful. A desirable Civil War soldier's letter with strong display appeal and historical content.
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Waterloo — Thursday July 31st My Dear Franky Yours of last Sunday and Monday were rec'd last night. I had one from Ned also at the same time. I have rec'd all your letters up to this time. Everything is so quiet and dull here that there is nothing to write about. Gen. Pope came to Warrenton yesterday from Washington. Perhaps he will be along here in a day or two. The President and some others were also at Warrenton. We continue to have good weather but yesterday was rather hot. This morning is cloudy and cool. Middles are getting pretty strict in Gen Pope's Army in getting in or out of the lines, and sutlers benefit by it. Men who get supplies and cannot get provisions to come through, we don't pay much besides rations at this place. No peddlers nor anything in camp, and if we go out for anything we must have a pass. The Pickets, or else manage to give them the slip. This is not as good a place to get provisions as Warrenton. Yesterday I went out and got some berries and my handkerchief full of apples not hardly ripe but we were able to cook. I made some first rate sauce and another hard bread relish, much better. We get fresh beef about once in 3 days. The troops here today have buried the obsequies of Dan(?) [name uncertain] by marching in review, the bands playing a dirge, a prayer and a hundred [guns?]. I'll try and write again. This is all but must say goodbye for today dear Franky. I write God bless you. Truly, [signature indistinct]
