Unknown to Bell Wharton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.115 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Memphis, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter Date: 9 March 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.6 x 39.5 cm. Order a Copy
Possibly written by Joseph Maitland, based on content. Begins letter to Bell with a love poem, "Old Song." Tells her that he was thinking of her and the song came into his mind, especially because of the lines, "'never till life and memory perish, can I forget how dear thou art to me.' " Writes that he wants to wrap his arms around her, and that he could express his feelings much better in person. Asks her "not to tell any one the nonsense I write to you, or they certainly would think I was a big fool."
Joseph Maitland enlisted on 8 August 1862 as a Private. He was mustered into "G" Co. OH 95th Infantry. He was mustered out 31 May 1865 at Memphis, Tennessee.
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