Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to parents
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.028 Author/Creator: Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) Place Written: Camp Sedgwick, Brandy Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 November 1863 Pagination: 12 p. : envelope ; 19.4 x 12 cm. Order a Copy
Is in his tent while it rains, and therefore has nothing to pass the time with other than writing. Got a short letter from his father yesterday. Hopes mother's eyes do not get much worse than they already are. Just went to visit Sid; "he is well as ever." He will be home in seven months, and "it don't seem to me such a very long time before we can say the same." Believes that by the time Sid's group leaves the rebellion will be "a good part crushed out." Camp has become very monotonous; takes consolation in the knowledge that at dinner at the end of the day he can tell himself "one day more gone." For dinner, the men usually just sit around with their cups and tin plates, waiting for their hard tack and pork. They then put the plate over a stick or any smaller part of the fire to warm it up as best they can. Will try to finish this letter so that it goes in the mail tonight. Wants to know when they will be officially setting up winter quarters so that he can build a more substantial shelter. Thinks they will begin to do so as soon as the supplies are available. The railroad will be back in "running order" soon. General Sedgwick is staying in the home of an imprisoned Virginia farmer. He has sent for his family and has "made all arrangements to have a nice time" with them this winter. Cannot blame the Rebels for fighting so hard "when they are fighting for their own hearthstones as it were." Supposes some of his officers might do better if the war were in the North. Would like to be sent a diary for 1864 if they could find one before the New Year comes. Meals at this point are not much more than soup and a cup of coffee sometimes. The pork is salted. Sometimes he gets lucky and gets a lean piece of pork, but sometimes it is mostly fat. There is no variety in food, "but we are suited because there is no other way to do." Thanksgiving is a national holiday this year, but he doubts the government will provide much in the way of better food for the occasion. Hopes they enjoy a great dinner that night, and hopes they "laugh as much as though I were there." Would like to be home for Thanksgiving very much. Wants them to write back telling them all about it. A loaf of soft bread came just now, and he must get at some of it before it is all gone.
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