Foglesong, John C. to Lydia A. Bishoff
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.40.33 Author/Creator: Foglesong, John C. Place Written: Manassas Junction, Prince William County, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21.2 x 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.
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.