18 December 1862
Rifenburgh, Peter E., 1843-1863
Autograph letter signed
Title: to brother
Is well; hopes these lines find him healthy too. Left Fort Monroe on December 1 by ship. "Out on the ocean eight days out [of] sight of land." Sailed to New Orleans. Could not dock because many were sick with the measles. Heard (falsely) that Richmond was taken. There are more oranges in New Orleans "than you can shake a stick at." Crossed the Mississippi the day before to see the orchards; ate 20 oranges. Apologizes for not writing more. No year listed, based on content and location.
GLC08914.010