Letter, 1861
Scope and Content
This collection consists of a single letter written by William C. White of Company I, 69th Pennsylvania Infantry during the American Civil War. Written at Camp Monocacy on November 20, 1861, the letter is addressed to White's parents. "We are not much afraid of the rebel pickets but they are afraid of us," White writes. "[I]f they see one of us they dodge behind a tree if they did fire on us they would not do no harm as we have rifle pits all along the potomac." White writes that it is not so easy to take "french leave" (i.e., desert), due to the many patrols near camp, but he adds that "about 15 deserted out of our company because they could not get no whiskey about here as they are all whiskey bummers and we are glad to get rid of them ..." He predicts that the regiment will remain in place for the winter and notes that they are building ovens and having fresh bread every day. White reports that they can buy anything they need from the sutler, including pies and cakes, but at "an awful price." He then asks his parents to send him some raisin bread and looks forward to receiving stockings and mittens from home. At least one page of the letter appears to be missing.
Dates
- 1861
Creator
- From the Collection: White, William C. (Person)
Language of Materials
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
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu