This collection contains two letters written by Philip Crewell, a private serving in Company F, 34th New York Infantry during the American Civil War. Both letters are addressed to Crewell's brother, the 1862 letter specifically to H. J. Crewell. The first letter, written at Albany, is dated "the 7 1861" (presumably May 7, as the contents suggest that Crewell's regiment had just been organized). Crewell lauds his regiment, noting, "we have got the praise of beainge the best looking lot that has bin heare yet." Of the regiment's prospects, Crewell writes, "I think by the time them suthern traters kill all of us that there will be enuf of them ded to manure a gardin and if it did there wold nohing gro in it." In the second letter, dated Camp Falmoth [sic], Virginia, on December 7, 1862, Crewell writes of being in winter quarters and requests that his brother send him a large box of clothing and food. He provides specific instructions for shipping a package and requests--among other things--butter, bread, cakes, mince pies, maple molasses, strawberry apples, sauerkraut, pickles, and a stuffed turkey, "such as a Soldier would like to have to revive him for a happy Christmas" for himself and friend Isaac White. Crewell concludes by mentioning the possibility of a promotion to first lieutenant.