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Letter, 1865

 File — Folder: 1

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection consists of a single letter written by Sallie Leeper Scott, of Lower Chanceford (York County), Pennsylvania to Robert J. Barnett of the chief carpenter shop at 17th & K streets, Washington, D. C., during the American Civil War. Written April 15-16, 1865, the letter focuses largely on personal news and local activities. Scott identifies Barnett as her "well wisher & lover" and thanks him for the recent letter which she found "very interresting & exceptable" and informs Barnett that she was in bed when she received it. She advises Barnett that there are plenty of jobs available locally, as work continues on the canal. She reports the recent marriage of William Moor and Mary Hickman, then adds some suggestive comments: "I dont know what gussie will Do know when wil moor as she Calls him is gone unless you Come up & hold her once a Week[.] but if that dont pleas You I expect if you are to come Home you could get in to a job Of sleeping with mary jane snyder for i expect she has to sleep by her self since john went to the Army." She then refers to a letter recently "forwarded from the president A Lincoln," but the reference is probably to a shared joke. "[T]he next one he sends to me," Scott continues, "he had beter not get you to write it &amp i wont be so sure to know that it come from you my Dearest friend & only lover & loveing Bob." There is no mention of Lincoln's recent assassination, suggesting that Scott had not yet heard the news. The letter is accompanied by a stamped, patriotic "The Union Forever" envelope, addressed to Barnett.

Dates

  • 1865

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308