This collection contains 35 letters written by Union private David Moser, 199th Pennsylvania Infantry, to his wife, Sarah, from various locations including Philadelphia, Dutch Gap, VA, Richmond, Burkville Station, and Appomattox Court House, dating from September 1864 through June 1865.

Moser's letters detail many of the regiment's activities beginning at Camp Cadwalader in Philadelphia. From Dutch Gap, he described tunneling and canal work as well as picket duty, camp life, and activities near Petersburg. He spoke of dealing with hungry prisoners and, more importantly, his pursuit of Lee and engaging with his men at Appomattox. He also discusses the devastating effects of war on the citizens of Richmond and his sorrow over the assassination of his Commander in Chief.

In addition to Moser’s letters to his wife, the collection also includes an 1865 letter to her from her brother, soldier Edwin Rickert. There is also a check from 1912, a watch order from 1892, and a printed flyer from a 1917 Memorial Day flag raising ceremony in Scranton in which “Civil War Veteran D.W. Moser” is listed as raising the flag (he would have been 83 years old at the time).