"HE USED TO PLAY AT LIBBY PRISON"

[CIVIL WAR LETTER] Autograph Letter Signed. Larkinsville, June 18th, 1865. 2 pp. 7¾ x 9 ¾". Signed only as "Job" a Union Soldier details how is soon to leave the service to the country for the civilian life. The Civil War had officially ended just one month before: " ... the Orders relieving us from this district have not yet been rec'd but we are waiting and looking for them every day. The air is full of all kinds of rumors and reports relative to our going to Nashville to be mustered out this week ... Any time, whenever the Comd'g Officers see fit to order us, I am ready and willing to dissolve the ties that bind me to my country's Service, and don the garb of citizen again .... / have been reading a pamphlet of Thomas Steve King, on the subject of Endless Punishment. It was quite interesting and instructive. Co. "E" has come up here from Woodville and Sergt Wheeler ... and I have been playing chess some. I played 2 or 3 games with Capt Phelps, but he worsted me badly. He used to play in Libby Prison ... I think the Ballad you sent me very fine and I would like to know the music for -you'll sing it for me when I get home, won't you?" Accompanied by original stamped envelope addressed to a Miss Flora Putnum in Berrien Spring Michigan. A Fine letter written neatly with a hopeful post-war grace.