Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to Edith M. Phelps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.07 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Langley, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 January 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 26.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Speaks of a friend named John choosing to "serve god." Comments that he is fond of Professor Waldon and believes him to be a "clever honest fellow." Says that they recently purchased a stove that smokes a lot and built a "Shebang" out of logs. Reports that some of the boys have been court marshaled and that he has been subpoenaed to testify. Describes there being hard feelings between some of the boys from Athens and Smithfield. Mentions that Captain Daniel Bradbury just lays abed swearing about his leg. Says that the Captain, "uses the most wicked oaths you can think of in presence of his wife. I think he is getting to be about a degraded a man as ever I saw." Writes about the Captain ignoring him and believes it is because he testified against him. Request that his sister not show this letter to anyone. Fears his comments may get back to Captain Daniel Bradbury. Written on paper with red and blue edging.
Diton Phelps enlisted as a private on 15 May 1861. He mustered into "F" Co. PA 35th Infantry. He was mustered out on 11 June 1864 at Harrisburg, PA.
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