Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918 to Bell Wharton
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.133 Author/Creator: Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918 Place Written: Memphis, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter Date: 15 August 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy
Letter is not signed, but based on content it is likely written by Joseph Maitland. Expresses great pleasure at receiving her letter. Reports on the food in camp: coffee, sour bread, strong pork, rice and beans once in awhile. "We have an old nigger wench Blacker than the 'Ace of Spades' to cook for us..." Mentions the hundred days men (temporary soldiers), their difficulty adjusting to the climate, and the high amount of sickness among them. Reports that "every evening we hear the muffled Drums & the shrill notes of the Fife telling us that another victim is being borne to his long home. It is a solemn sight to see a Burying by moonlight and one which is not easily forgotten." Says he wishes he was able to share kisses with her.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.