A heartfelt soldier's letter written from the ring of forts defending Washington, D.C., by a young Union soldier who signs himself "Dick." It is written to his sister and headed "Camp near Fort Ellsworth, Nov. 17th 1862." The letter is notable for revealing that the writer's father and brother William were also in the army, serving in the "28th."

The letter reads in part (original spelling retained):

"I now take my pen in hand to let you know how i are geting a long … i was to see father and william yesterday they are well and in good sperrets and so are the other boys … they was glad to see me i took them some of the things that you sent me it was quite a treet for them send Father a letter for he is not used to being a way from home … while i was to the 28 our Reg mooved to the fair fax cort howse and they are going still forther i are left be hind with Col. Moor i was left by acident or by being to the 28 when they started butt i think i will get to them to morow … i think that whe will bee in battle bee for long as our armey is getting the worst of it"

On the second page he continues:

"all the paper you sent me to right on was spoiled by the pickles spilling out on it … i will trust god to cary me saif through as i are like Dave Bradford trying to win the laurels butt i wish the war was over as our amey is getting a back moove if whe caunt whip the rebbles now whe will never do it … let me know how grandfather is … From your Loving Brother, Dick"

Fort Ellsworth stood at Alexandria, Virginia, and was part of the ring of fortifications protecting the capital. The letter was written in the uneasy weeks after McClellan was removed from command, as the Army of the Potomac moved south under Burnside toward what would become the disaster at Fredericksburg. Dick's gloomy view of the war and the image of a father and two sons all in uniform make this a very personal piece.

Two pages on a single sheet of lined paper, approximately 8 3/4" x 10 1/4". Usual folds with small splits at the fold junctions, scattered foxing and light staining, and minor edge chips. Ink remains dark and legible. Good to very good condition.  [cm] [ph:L]

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