Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to D. G. Tracy
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.15 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Langley, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 15 February 1861-1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 18.4. x 22.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Describes being court marshaled and how the hearing was adjourned until next Thursday. Comments that Forrest has had a long "siege of it," and there is no prospect of it ending until next Thursday. Reports that Fort Donelson was just captured and a lot of prisoners taken. Among the prisoners was the notorious traitor, [Sue] Floyd. Speaks of the captain yelling and swearing at people all the time. Says that he tried to get a furlough to come home but was denied. Writes that that he is sending $46 home and hopes to send $1000 over the course of the year. The letter is dated 15 February but a year is not given. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.
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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