Dated “Greencastle Sept. 17^th 1862”. Addressed to Julia St. Clair, Norristown, PA. 7 pp. in pencil on unlined paper, 4.5 x 7.25.” Exhibits fold-marks. Else VG. In protective sleeve, accompanied by documentation.

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 Gen. 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 or 65, she died. Steinmetz’s last letters to her are ones in which he askes why she hasn’t written.

Text summary: In this letter Jacob mentions that the Anderson Troop has moved after only two weeks of drill, that they have no tents, nor change of clothing. If it hadn’t been for the India rubber clothes, they would have been wet all through. He mentions marching through Chambersburg and how the people stood and cheered them. He says he will never lay down his sword  “till the war is over and the last breath is drawn.”    [JP]

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