Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to Edith M. Phelps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.12 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Rappahannock Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 12 September 1861-1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.9. x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to sister from Rappahannock Station. Comments about it being so dry that it is difficult to get water. Says that there is a spring nearby but there is hardly enough water to supply the regiment. Says that he misses home and looks forward to his service expiring. Talks about how there will be rejoicing among the soldiers when it happens but hopes the rebellion will be over by that time; he saw the beginning and would like to see the end. Writes of an engagement between his father and another man. It was stated that his father did not keep his flank protected or his reserve in supporting distance which caused his defeats. His father is a good general to command a corps but not an army (it is unclear whether this is Diton's opinion or the opinion of the man with whom his father was engaging). Wishes he had been there to defend his father. The letter is dated 12 September but a year is not given. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.
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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