A group of four letters with revelations of camp life in the early war, comprising:

1. Autograph letter signed by James P. Elliott, Co. I, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Fort Richardson, Arlington Heights, Virginia, 29 October 1861. 3 pages, 8vo, on illustrated "The Spirit of '76 Revived." lettersheet.

James P. Elliott originally enlisted on 8 June 1861. This letter was written early in his enlistment. He reports of all the equipment his regiment has received, including :"Fifty tents, new and nice they are capable of accommodating 20 men each, so you see we are now in good condition to defy a good heavy rain." He would see several promotions, up to Second Lieutenant as of 10 December 1864. Elliott served the entirety of the war, reenlisting on 31 March 1864 and mustering out at Washington, D.C. on 25 September 1865.

2. Autograph letter signed by William H. Porter, Co. D, 66th New York Infantry. Alexandria, [Virginia], 9 January 1862. 2 pages, 8vo, on illustrated letter sheet with Union shield within a star cartouche. With original envelope addressed to Harriet Porter of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

William Porter, a wagoner in the 66th New York, writes to his sister shortly after his enlistment (23 December 1861). He describes the rough conditions: "I [thought] that I would write you a few lines and let you know how I was a-getting along at [soldiering]. I don't like it as well as the Navy. We are in camp in a mud hole, the mud is about a foot deep here...I don't fancy picketing much, for it ain't much fun a-standing in the woods alone, I can tell you, and having about 40 rabbits running around you. For you think that there are Rebels around all the time." Not long after this letter was written, Porter would become a deserter.

3. Autograph letter signed by Edwin A. Lane, Co. H, 40th Massachusetts Infantry. Minors Fall, Virginia, 6 February 1862. 4 pages, 8vo, in pencil.

Edwin Lane (1845-1864) enlisted at just 17 years old. In this letter, he reports the harsh winter conditions: "We had a snowstorm out here the other day, and the snow was about a foot deep on a level. And it rains or snows about all of the time now." He also notes that he sent home 10 dollars and "my picture". After operations in the Tidewater and participation in the Siege of Charleston, the regiment turned south as part of the Jacksonville Expedition. It was here that Lane was wounded in action (WIA) at Battle of Olustee (20 February 1864). Lane's enlistment would end sadly, he was killed-in-action on 24 June 1864 during the Siege of Petersburg.

4. Autograph letter signed by Henry [Folsom], Co. L, 1st Maine Cavalry. Headquarters Camp, near White Oak Court House, Virginia, 8 June 1863. 3 pages, 8vo, on illustrated letterhead featuring an outfitted soldier with the Seal of Pennsylvania and rows of camp tents. With original yellow envelope addressed to Mr. Sumner Folsom with red 3 cent postage stamp.

An amusing letter written by Henry H. Folsom, a young musician in the 1st Maine Cavalry. He recounts to his father that "I am no more a Bugler for the Company. I carry the Battle Flag for the Brigade Hd Quarters." He then continues with business opportunities for his family: "If you want to make money come out here as a suttler or a baker you can make money as fast as dirt tell George he can make fifty Doll. a day taking pictures." He closes his letter tongue planted firmly in cheek: "From your Disobedient Son."

An excellent collection of letters revealing the nuances of early camp life.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Manuscripts, Letters, Documents, Ephemera]