Franklin County: Lucius P. Mox to Jennie, April 30, 1865
Summary:
Mox has heard the news that the Confederates have surrendered and expresses his hope that he
can return home soon.
Jennie
Sunday April 30th 1865
Chapel Point Md.
Dear Jennie
Since I wrote to you last I have changed my place of residence I am now on the right bank of
the Potomac about 60 miles below Washington it is one of the prettiest places that ever was
occupied by a Yankee camp - Pleasant Valley is entirely abandoned
and all the volunteer cavalry in the U.S. Army is concentrating at this place and it is
reported that we will all be discharged here soon - the whole Confederacy has withered before
the Yankee arms and their last star of hope has disappeared behind the blue clouds of the North
- Gen. Johnson has surrendered with ninety thousand men
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this comprises the whole
army of Dixie's land - our old flag once more floats in triumph over
every state in the Union - and since our work is done every soldier is impatiently waiting for
his discharge for my part I was never so homesick since I was in the
army. I can't keep still long enough to eat my dinner - indeed I am
afraid some of us will get nearly crazy if our officers don't sober up
a little and send us home if they don't be careful we will "rub some of them out" it won't do for them to be
very stubborn after teaching us how to fight.
But I must quit talking about my superiors or I may get into trouble. Jennie I am afraid that
important letter will be lost that I asked you to direct in care of
Capt. Littleboy without any company or Regiment on it - but you can tell me again a good
sentiment will bare twice telling
[page 3]
- and more too for I can enjoy myself reading over
your old letters better than any other amusement I can find although I have read them more than
a dozen times already I only wish I had more of them to read - but I think we will not long be
confined to this written communication and then with your consent I
will spend the rest of my life where
we
will
not
have
to
write
to
each
other. I still have your picture in my portfolio it is the choicest
treasure I posess except the love of its original -- I also have that "Nice thing" you sent me last winter and "I calculate to keep it till I come home."
I have quit working in the Bakery and intend to stay with my Regiment till it is discharged
there are four boat loads of soldiers
[page 4]
at the landing now who just came in from the
front we expect some more before night.
Now Dear Jennie I must confess I am getting very lazy for the weather is very warm and my little tent stands out in an open field in the hot sun shine.
I think I must quit and take a sleep and perhaps a dream of you for that would be nothing uncommon - you would not believe how the Yankee ladies haunt the soldiers pillows.
I shall hope to hear that you have entirely recovered your health by the time you answer this - please write soon again to
Yours affectionately
Lucius
Co I, 17th Pa. Cav.
Washington
D.C.
