Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to his father
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.02 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1861 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.1 x 26.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his father from Camp Curtain. Says that they received marching orders to leave tomorrow morning. Says that they might go to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania but it is not for certain. The Captain said that they might be in the hottest part of the battle and the boys are delighted at the prospect. Reports of receiving their arms which are "old rusty muskets that our four fathers used in the Revolution." Describes mailing his and the boys' clothes back home. They mailed them by express but did not pay freight because they didn't know the cost. Tells his father to divide the freight up between the boys and keep their things until they pay. Wishes everyone well.
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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