Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 to Parents

Got a letter from them dated 1864/08/21 last night. They write of not having received a letter from him in a long time, but does not know why his letters have not been delivered. Most of his letters have been short, "hurried" ones simply letting them know he was alright, but now will write a longer one. Saw that Metcalf died. Has made several raids into different cornfields and gardens for food. "The Army has stripped every corn field and potato patch they have been near in this valley and made perfect hogs of themselves." Thinks the war will end this fall. If they are not going to send the tobacco until it goes bad, they should just keep it for themselves. Wants to know if they have heard anything from Sid. Appreciates his mother's efforts to write him, but does not want her to strain herself too much by writing. Believes the government does not care much about the soldiers. Would like to find "a lodge in some vast wilderness, where wars and rumors of war can never enter." John Banks succumbed to his wounds the morning after the recent attack. He did not have time to reach the hospital. Was sorry that he was away from the company when it happened. "I feel as though I had lost a brother." Wants to be told as soon as Charlie is drafted if it happens, for he would gladly take his place. "I hope you will overlook some of my wild talk." Hopes to hear from them soon.