Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to parents
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.033 Author/Creator: Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) Place Written: Camp Sedgwick, Brandy Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 December 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 27 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Has time to write more now. "We are quite comfortably situated." The bunks are one on top of the other, "steamboat style." Most of the time needed to build it is spent cutting and hauling the wood necessary for it. Considers the last movements before settling down for the winter to be a success that even General Meade could not have anticipated. Thinks they will move to the rear soon; "the Rapidan is not worth anything to us." Cannot dislodge Lee from Orange Court House. Meade must not sacrifice too much in trying to hold this position in his opinion. "We cannot hold our position" unless they drawn in their lines and pull back. "I do believe that the War Department have concluded that it is almost useless to attempt to force a road to Richmond this way and that the Rebellion can be crushed with much less sacrifice." Believes the generals on both sides are equally smart, and that therefore, any battle will end in a stalemate that an unnecessary loss of life. Saw Sid last night for "a few moments." He was tearing up, using his handkerchief "quite freely," but does not think those tears were "tears of sorrow." The pork fryer he asked for needs to be very light and not made of cast iron. Is "fat and hearty" and ready to have some food from home.
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