Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.03 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Greencastle, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 July 1861 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.4.4 x 26. cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from Camp Biddle. Reports that the camp is empty except for a few picket guards placed to guard the railroad. Comments that they are surrounded by secessionists who are armed. Says that the pickets are shot at almost every night and a bullet grazed a guard's arm last night. Reports that the Massachusetts regiment shot two men that were tearing up the track. Writes about their tents leaking when they first arrived and having to sleep upon their blankets on the ground. Says that they have 15 tents, six men to a tent. Describes how three of their men went into town yesterday and got drunk. They were fetched and tied to a tree until they were sober. Written on paper with a Scheffer print of a flag and canyon with a quote about conquering and "In God we Trust."
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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