Reese, David to daughter
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02164.10 Author/Creator: Reese, David Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 September 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.4 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
The letter has a green New York stamp that includes the New York State seal. Lets his daughter know he is well. Moved from Washington to Aliten [Alton?] Heights last Saturday. Are within eleven miles of the battlefield. "Do not know what minute we will be called upon; we expect a battle every day." Took Museum Hill last night. His son - the recipient of the letter's brother - is there. They have been exchanging letters, and his son has not been sick a day since he arrived in the regiment. Says to Tell Lisibeth - presumably Elizabeth, another one of his daughters - he was "very glad to hear from her." Says to tell the other children that he will see them soon "if I live." Resources are low; there is "no tea nor whisky nor butter here." He hears that there are 300,000 Confederate troops in front of them, and that they have the rebels surrounded. Has to drill eight hours every day.
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