NOVEMBER 12, 1861 LETTER FROM WILLIAM OTTO, 88TH PA, AT FORT ELLSWORTH, ALEXANDRIA

NOVEMBER 12, 1861 LETTER FROM WILLIAM OTTO, 88TH PA, AT FORT ELLSWORTH, ALEXANDRIA

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An early-war letter from a Pennsylvania soldier to his wife at home. It is headed "Fort Ellsworth, Nov. 12, 1861," addressed to "Dear Charlotte," and signed "Wm. Otto." Otto was serving in the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry, which spent its first months on duty in the defenses of Washington at Alexandria, Virginia. Writing just after his first payday, he encloses money for the family and offers some practical advice. The first page reads (original spelling retained):

"I received your letter and I was very glad to hear that you were all well, and better satisfied since you found out that the County has to pay you so much per week as long as the war lasts. We have just been paid off up to the 1st day of Nov. You will find enclosed in this fifteen dollars, which I wish you to make the best use of it you can. Dont pay any debts of this because you wont receive no more untill New Year unless the war gets settled before that time. I am quite well and I hope this will find you and the Boys the same. We have plenty to eat & drink…"

The letter goes on to mention the city of Alexandria and the camp's expectation of moving soon, and closes with family news, including a mention of a "Richard."

The 88th Pennsylvania was organized in Philadelphia in the fall of 1861. It went on to serve with the Army of the Potomac's First Corps at Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. This letter captures Otto at the very start of that service, still hoping the war might be "settled" by the new year. It also shows how soldiers' families depended on county relief payments while husbands and fathers were away.

Four pages on a folded sheet of stationery with an embossed crest at the top, each page approximately 4 3/4" x 7 3/4". Usual folds, pinholes at the top, and several brown stains, mainly at the center fold, which touch some words but leave the text readable. Good condition.   [cm] [ph:L]

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