CIVIL War Frederick Maryland Hilarious Draft Dodger Letter Antietam Campaign

During the Civil War young men of draft age who wanted to avoid service were sometimes aided by sympathetic local doctors who wrote letters attesting they were not able to serve. An amusing letter from Harry Arden at Home, to his friend Frank, Sept 3rd, 1862 recounts fond memories of scenes of the past, and the joy of company of those we love. How I should like to be with you Frank, at lectures, studies and most, Recreation.

Fate has kept us apart. The (Draft) Exemption is going on again, "Humbug No 2", conducted by army surgeons assisted by the Invincible Commissioner Mahoney.

The writer fears will have to go, along w J. Wachtee, as we are the only 2 left "for the draft to fasten on",, He wishes he was Canada, or "born under an absolute despotism to breathe as free as when I first tumbled ion to this little round Hell of ours". Our atmosphere is filled w " Grave Yard ejaculations, dyspeptic belches, and belly-ache grunts". Old men and young wives accompany them to swear that they are_"perimeatorrheal"? Or To swear their husbands are not men.

Saltz went and told them he didn't know what was the matter with him and asked the surgeon to find out, as everyone else got examined. Then he got very much Intoxicated. Peease give my regards to your family and "little Katie O Neal", and hopes he will get a speedy reply to his letter, which he signs "Yours Bullily Harry Arden".

With a Ps "Rite very soon". 2pp 8 x 112 ink,, age spots, minor edge wear, Overall VG. The William Mahoney he mentions was the draft Commissioner for Frederick and was arrested by Confederate troops during the Antietam Campaign. NOTE: Any repair to a paper item is listed. I use only museum curator approved archival repair tape. All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic and in the condition as described.

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