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Foglesong, John C., fl. 1861-1862 to Lydia A. Bishoff

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.40.33 Author/Creator: Foglesong, John C., fl. 1861-1862 Place Written: Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 21.2 cm, Width: 26.1 cm Order a Copy

Foglesong writes that when the war will end is dependent on the "Big Battle at Richmond." He predicts that the battle will be in the Union's favor, since the Union has had success at every battle with the exception of Bull Run. He reports that there is constant skirmishing at Richmond, but he explains that the Union men cannot be driven back any more. The Union Army is within 4 miles of the city and "can throw a shell in the city at any time if needed." He believes that General McClellan can take the city without burning it, but if it is necessary, he predicts that McClellan will "fire the city." McClellan claims "he can throw two hundred and fifty shells in the town in one minute." He mentions that Daniel Swisher is well and has written several letters home to which he has not received replies. He would like to know whether John Keller is home, and wants Bishoff to tell John to write. In a post-script, Foglesong adds that Lieutenant Charles Elliot died in Washington of typhoid fever on the 14th, and was robbed of $400. Finally, in an additional post-script, Foglesong asks Bishoff to let him know whether or not she is teaching school.

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