Dated “Camp near Petersburg V.A. July 8 1864.” Addressed “Dear Mother.” 2 pp. in ink on lined paper, 12 x 8”. Exhibits fold-marks and slight fading, else VG and entirely legible.

This fascinating letter was written during the period between the 1864 Union investment of Petersburg [17 June] and the Battle of the Crater [July 30]. Lowry writes of troop movements and health and while at it expresses the erroneous opinion that the war will not “last long for I think the Yankees is getting tired of it.”

Text: “…The health of the company is tolerably good owing to the long marches they have had and my health is tolerably good so far. As it happened I did not get hear in time to go with them down to Richmon and I am glad of it but they have all got back again. I started with the tents last Saturday to go to Drewy’s Bluff and went to Petersberg and put the tents on the train and Sunday the regiment come back in sight of Petersberg and lay there till to day and we all marched back to camp and they had to hall the tents back again. I left part of my cloths with the tents in care of one of hines men for I had to march back to camp with the regiment and could not carry them. He did not comewhen the tents dind but I reckon he will be along after a while and when I get them I am going to sell some of them for I can not take care of all of them. I sold the shoes that I left at camp mangum for 3 dolars.

I thought it was hard times when I was in camp before but that was nothing to what it is now but I am in hope we will stay here some time now for the Yankees is all routed about Richmon. These long marches is hard.on the men as warm as the weather is now. I saw Leroy crews yesterday. He was well but he was in the fight and several of his company was killed and 2 ball struck his gun. Our regiment did not get close enough to fire for they commenced throwing shell and balls from 3 places but none of shobers was killed but there was 2 of hines men was killed.

William Bowman is not well yet. He has rheumatism verry bad. R. R. Saunders is complaining. He went down to the bluff and had to march back the next day and I got shut of it by going with the tents. I suppose today is the day the conscripts is enrolled but I am in hope they will not have to go. I do not think the war will last long for I think the yankees is getting tired of it. Let me know how you are all getting along. I suppose the boys has got the wheat all halled up by this time but if the boys has to go I do not see how you will get along. I must bring this letter to a close for I must help get supper. Write soon and direct your letters to Petersburg…From W. L. Lowrey.”

Superb Confederate letter. Invites further research inasmuch as Lowry mentions numerous names, any one of which may provide a clue as to his and other confederate regiments present at Petersburg during the 1864 siege.. In protective sleeve.    [JP]  [ph:L]

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