Franklin County: Sylvester McElheney to Harriet
McElheney, October 6, 1864
Summary:
McElheney writes about his sightings of rebels while out on picket and describes
the shooting of a soldier who tried to desert. He also expresses his love for
his wife.
October the 6 1864
Camped front of rebels
dear wife
I set myself this morning to let you know that I am well at present and I hope these lines will find you all well. I was out on picket on Sunday night and monday and I saw lots of rebels where we stand picket and farther from the rebels there is this [illeg.] [illeg.] and was five rebels come over and said that they couldn't stand it much longer and were laying at [unclear: the] breastworks. we are not in very much danger.
Hally I would like to see you and
the
little
onesbut I don't suppose that I
will for awhile but I want you
to send me your likeness and I want
Mary's and Annie's and if
thereis anyone
[page 2]
taking likenesses there any
place I want you to get yours
and little Joseph on one plate and send them as soon as
you can for I think long to see
them. Philip is well and the rest of the [added: the boyes]. Philip sent his [unclear: clothes]
home and I sent you to [illeg.] and some
knives and my neckerchief and you can get them
there. Hally I dream about home nearly every night. I dream that I was talking to you and you were
[illeg.]
[illeg.]. I want you to send them likenesses as soon as you can for I think long to get
them. I wrote two letters to pap and I wrote you one and I haven't got any yet but I think I will get
one soon.
I can set in my tent and see the steeples in Petersburg. See them very plain. We have moved about 5 miles from the camp that we was at when I wrote to you before. There was a man shot in our regiment. He was shot by one of his own men. He was on picket and he went to relieve him and he halted him and he did not stop. Nothing more at present but write and write as soon as you get this letter.
Sylvester
Direction: Co. F. 208th Reg. P.V. City Point in care of Capt Palm, Washington, D.C.
