Fairchild, Lewis D. (b. 1829) to Sephronia Fairchild
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.06.05 Author/Creator: Fairchild, Lewis D. (b. 1829) Place Written: City Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 April 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.8 x 25.0 cm. Order a Copy
Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point Hospital, City Point, Virginia. Discusses helping to care for the wounded soldiers after a brief illness: "...I am very grateful that I was afflicted in that way. I think it is a great deal better than to have a bullet put through you..." Makes reference to the taking of Petersburg and the possible surrender of the South. Gives advice regarding one of their sick children, the children's schooling and management of household chores. Describes food rations. The letter is slightly faded, especially at the creases. On letterhead of the "United States Sanitary Commission," an organization signed into creation by President Lincoln on June 18, 1861, with the purpose of training nurses to work in military hospitals and to unite charitable organizations to assist Northern soldiers.
Fairchild enlisted on 4 January 1864 at Exeter, New York as a private. He was mustered into "L" Co. New York 2nd Heavy Artillery.
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