Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to Edith M. Phelps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.01 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 June 1861 Pagination: 3 p. ; 19.4 x 26.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from Camp Curtin, Pennsylvania. Mentions that they are under strict rules in the camp; two pages of paper are issued each day to a company and they can wash in the river every other day. Writes about a fellow who was court marshaled yesterday for striking an officer. The man had to spend five days imprisoned; he was then marched out of camp and taken to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was given a new suit and 30 dollars. Most of the camp took the man's side because the officer had abused him. A fight later broke out in camp where some men pushed the guards around. They were sentenced to digging in the camp. Comments that they have not been armed and equipped yet but another regiment who marched through their camp heading to Baltimore, Maryland was well armed. States that Washington sent a dispatch to that regiment that they would probably be attacked so they loaded up on guns. The regiment made it through safe without incident. Written on paper with a flag emblem and the logo, "OUR WHOLE UNION."
Diton Phelps enlisted as a private on 15 May 1861. He mustered into "F" Co. PA 35th Infantry. He was mustered out on 11 June 1864 at Harrisburg, PA.
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