Richards, Allen J. (fl. 1864-1865) to Sarah Ogden
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06559.076 Author/Creator: Richards, Allen J. (fl. 1864-1865) Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 February 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 26 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy
Says he has been ordered to guard the Railroad and trains from Alexandria to Brandy Station. Notes that he slept in a tent on the hard ground the first night, and caught a bad cold as a result. Troops are stationed along the road, and they are building block houses at every railroad bridge. States that several of his friends have reenlisted, but he does not have any plans to reenlist because, "3 years is enough." Recounts an instance in which the train broke down on its way to Baltimore, Maryland, and the conductor had to run back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to get a new engine. Concludes by thanking her and giving his respects to all the women from the hospital.
Sarah Perot Ogden was a Quaker from Philadelphia who took part in variety of philanthropic works such as assisting the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America, the Philadelphia Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and President of the Philadelphia Home for Incurables. Both Ogden and her husband, Edward H. Ogden, were strong supporters of the Union cause. During the Civil War Ogden volunteered in a military hospital where she made daily visits. Her husband served as a Union soldier.
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