Dated “Camp Alabama, Carlisle, August 28th [18]62”. Addressed to Julia St. Clair, Norristown, PA. 8 pp. in pencil on unlined paper, 5” x 8. Exhibits fold-marks. Else VG.

Jacob R. Steinmetz enlisted as a private in Co “C”, 15^th PA Cavalry, 8/22/1862, and was mustered out, 6/21/1865. His unit saw service in the western theater, and participated in the Battles of Stones river, Missionary Ridge and in Stoneman’s huge cavalry raid near the end of the war.

Julia St. Clair (1842-1864) was a great-grand daughter of Revolutionary General Arthur St. Clair. It seems also certain that Jacob Steinmetz was romantically linked with Julia, but in 1864-65, Julia died. Jacob’s last letters to her are ones in which he asks why she hasn’t written to him.

Text summary: In this letter Steinmetz writes that they are still in Camp but haven’t received their uniforms. He reminiscences about the last day together, but says he doesn’t regrets joining up and that he hopes to see the country restored. He also says that he hopes the Countries in Europe take heed their unbearable impudence. He says that soon indeed, squadrons of horse & foot will be hurled upon the traitors of the South—soon shall be heard the moan of the dying & the shout of the victorious Northerners as they behold “the Starry Flag spread again on the shores of the gulf of Mexico.”  [JP]

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