Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to Parents
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.045 Author/Creator: Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) Place Written: Camp Sedgwick, Brandy Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 February 1864 Pagination: 12 p. : envelope ; 19.4 x 11.9 cm. Order a Copy
Received their letter the night before last, but did not get a letter from mother as usual. Understands that this is likely due to her straining her eyes too much. Wishes her eyes were better, "but I suppose there is no use in wishing for that." Was ordered on Saturday to pack up and prepare to march to the front the next day at daylight, which caused a great stir around camp. During the winter, one cannot possibly carry all they own, so a lot of decisions have to be made about what to throw away and what to keep. "We generally throw away more than… we save." Ate breakfast the next day, but the order to fall in never came. Orders came "to hold ourselves in readiness." Was detailed to carry out the rations. It then started to rain, and he could hear cannon fire in the direction of the Rapidan River. He dropped the rations to catch up to the rest of the regiment. "Heavy fire continued all day and far into the night." The change in sleeping arrangements from winter quarters to lying on the cold wet ground will be great. If they underwent a real campaign now, "too many of our men would contract diseases and die." Whatever move is about to happen, it will not amount to much except the death of 10,000 men. Sedgwick is in charge of the army in Meade's absence, and he would not push his own corps into the front. Has not heard anything about the 6th corps being sent to Tennessee. Explains to his parents that FFVs is an abbreviation for First Families of Virginia that refers to the aristocracy of this state. Asks if the northerners at home have finally realized that "this great country is now involved in a civil war; a most unholy rebellion is having over us." Complains that the public does not understand that "brother is fighting brother." Hopes that they get an agricultural college built in town. "Astonished" to hear that Eddy Wright has reenlisted. Wants to know if they got the picture he sent them. "I hope that my boots will be here soon." Will write to Uncle Russell and Charlie soon.
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