Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.18 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Harrison's Landing, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 15 July 1861-1864 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.2 x 24.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his mother from Harrison's Landing. Comments about the warm weather that they are having. Says that it is thundering and he hopes that it rains so they will get water. Reports that Lieutenant Forrest is at home and does not believe that he will return. Believes that the lieutenant will resign once he finds out the news. Feels that they now have good new officers in their camp. Writes that the new lieutenant is not nearly as difficult for him or the rest of the camp to get along with as Lieutenant Forrest was. Requests that she send him some cheese through Adams Express. Says that they are living off of hard crackers, coffee, and fat pork. Complains about one of his tent mates, saying "Jakes a very disagreeable fellow." The letter is dated 15 July but a year is not given.
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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