CIVIL War Patriotic Illus Parole Camp Pow Letter Chicago 1862 115th Ny
Private John W Hutchinson of Company C, 115th New York Edinburgh, Saratoga County, NY enlisted August, 1862 and a few weeks later he and his unit were captured when Genl Dixon Miles surrendered the entire garrison at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. John was paroled and he and the 115th spent the winter at Parole Camp, Chicago, Illinois. An original Civil War soldier letter on patriotic stationary, "at "Chicago, Ill Oct 3/62" to "Dear and loving wife Catey- he writes that he is well and missing his "wife & bosom friend" and the children, he thinks of her & the'sweet little boys day and night. He reports has received a letter from brother Anson (32nd New York Infantry) who expects to come home soon, and please give him a home at our house- he has never had a home & thinks a great deal of you, but can't write for want of stamps. He sends her a box with a partial list of contents- some of them have been in battle- incl his dress & overcoats, cartridge box, 2 cap boxes, a glass jar w shells in it, a card, jewelry & little lockets for her & the children and a pen holder he whittled himself. Please give one cap box to Brother Orrin. He also sends a company "role" (Regimental Soldier's Memorial), also many other trinkets.
Keep the box from fire as it has cartridges in it- open it and" you will see'the Cold Pills' which have taken many into Eternity". He ends the letter'take good care of all I know you will. He does not sign the letter for lack of space as the last sentence is complete. 8pp ink, 8 x 5" with a beautiful color illus of of "The Parting Moment- a soldier saying farewell to his sweetheart. The illus is ptd by Jacob Gates, Cincinnati.
His other 2 brothers also served, one died a POW at Andersonville Prison. Edge wear, stains, Overall VG.
A truly moving letter from a New Day, Saratoga County, NY farmboy to his young wife.