Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to parents
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.020 Author/Creator: Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 September 1863 Pagination: 8 p. : envelope ; 19.5 x 11.8 cm. Order a Copy
It is the eighth day of his confinement. There are 12 other soldiers there "for company." Has a 20 foot by 50 foot guarded space to stay in. Has "nothing but bread and water" to eat. "We managed to smuggle in most anything we want to eat." Luke Day, a friend of his, lets him help himself to whatever he needs from the cook house. Captain Hayden saw him a few days ago to inform him that he would have a court martial in a day or two. Looks like "it will come out all well minus a few months pay and a little while longer under arrest." Hayden says that he "has not got a man in his own company he would do as much for as he has for me." It is getting colder there. Would rather be out in the field so they can have access to wood to burn to stay warm. The only wood they are given by the government is for cooking. Heard the colonel sent them a letter telling them to send him back to the city, but it arrived after he had already left for home. Has "never got into a scrape yet I could not get out of and think I can manage this about right… They can't cheat me out of my visit home." Supposes he was the subject of a lot of gossip back home. Asks his father for directions to meet with Eustis. Wants to make arrangements so that Charlie can come down and visit him.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.