Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 to parents
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.008 Author/Creator: Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 Place Written: Fairfax, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 24.6 cm, Width: 19.5 cm Order a Copy
There are signs that they will be stopping here for a few days, so he will write a longer letter than the last one. The 6th corps will act as reserve troops for the army, and will "go where it is most needed." Is within 10 miles of Bull Run. Thinks there might be another battle there soon. There are now fewer than 10,000 men in the corps. A full corps should have over 40,000 men. A few more two-year and nine-month terms end soon, and many think the corps will only number 7,000 after that. "We had a hard time being up nearly every night at work or on picket." Was at work for 26 hours straight at one point. Their lines are only 100 yards from those of the Confederates, and "there was considerable firing on the picket line on the right of us" coming from Rebel sharpshooters. Marched six more miles the next day. Had to arrest the 36th New York, which had been rioting on account of their time being up. "Rum and whiskey was at the bottom of it." They go home on July 4th. "I suppose they will commence the draft soon up there… the sooner the better for us." Needs a "good stout" pair of boots. Is glad, albeit selfishly, that no one can be drafted from his family. Had a dream that his father had enlisted and was going to fight. Sid is well. Will try to write some more soon.Written at Fairfax Court House.
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.