Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to Edith M. Phelps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.08 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Langley, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 February 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20. x 26.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Describes trying to get a furlough to go home but says that they stopped issuing all furloughs except for officers. Comments that Lieutenant Forrest has been home three times since they started marching and plans on going home again. Reports that Lieutenant Forrest went to trial and was found guilty of some of the charges. He was sentenced to be reprimanded by General George McCall. Writes that Lieutenant Forrest was taken again on other charges and will have another trial next Wednesday. Comments that Lieutenant Forrest has some bitter enemies in the camp and that, "some (if not afraid of the law) would not hesitate to take his life." Describes a man named Horrace Perkins being sick and being removed to the hospital. Believes that he has inflammation of the bowels and writes of him being in a lot of pain. Says that he has good morals because he never swear or drinks. States "that this Southern Confederacy is about extinguished." Reports hearing that a flag of truce was given to General Irvin McDowell last week but he does not know what it was for. Says that their army is gaining in strength every day while the rebel army is loosing. Describe ten rebels being caught when they tried passing their camp heading to Washington, D.C. Speaks of a man named "Old Stone," saying that "he is a deceitful old shit and I should not consider it an honerable [sic] discharge to play up sick to get a discharge." Written on paper with red and blue edging.
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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