Dated “Camp Griffen, Va. Nov. 23 ’61. Addressed to “Father”. 3 pp. in ink on unlined paper w/colored Vermont flag vignette in upper left corner. Exhibits fold-marks & slight soiling, else VG.

Henry Cooley was a resident of Brattleboro, Vermont, mustered as a private into Co. “C”, 2nd Vermont Infantry, 6/21/1861, who died of disease, 1/11/ 1863. His 2nd Vermont was mustered in Burlington in June 1861 and following the first Battle of Bull Run fought in nearly all major battles of the Army of the Potomac [including Gettysburg, where it was engaged in repelling Picket’s Charge]. Mustered out July 15, 1865, the 2nd VT lost during service 224 men killed or mortally wounded and 175 by disease for a total of 399.

In this letter, Private Cooley writes about sending and his old uniform coat home, which he wants kept by the family As follows:

I thought I would send my money in a letter as I have a chance to send it to B. [urlington} by one of the boys who is going home Monday. I meant to send $40 but I had part of it stole and I can send but $20. I am agoing to send my old coat home as we have a blue uniform now. I had rather send it home than throw it away. I thought you would like it to keep if I did not get back. It has been through Bull Run and the fight at Falls Church. It has seen some pretty hard times and so has its owner. I am going to send it with some others to Frank Goodhue of B. ..if he don’t send it down you can get it some time when you go up there…

I shall send some more money next pay day…I will send you a specimen of the bread we have in my coat pocket…”

Solid 2^nd Vermont Infantry camp letter. In protective sleeve.   [JP] [ph:L]

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