Franklin County: Jacob Christy to Mary Jane Demus, August 10,
1864
Summary:
Christy is glad that his sister and family did not incur any harm or damage during the
Confederate raid of Chambersburg. He expresses frustration that the Union soldiers in and
around the city were not able to stop the Confederate forces and suggests that his company
easily could have prevented the raid. Christy also comments on the treatment of black prisoners
of war and on the unequal pay of African-American soldiers.
Mary Jane Demus
August the 10th 1864
Morris Island South Carolina
Dear Sister
I take this present time of informing a few lines to you that I am well at present hoping these few lines may find you the same I receive your kind letter and was very glad to hear from you all that you was well and was getting along so well and was very glad to hear That the Rebels had not disturb you or none of the rest yet but I seen in the paper that the rebels had come to Chambersburg and burnt it but i hope that they did not do any damage to you father And Elizebeth I think that they was a pretty [unclear: set] men in Chambersburg that would let two hundred rebels come and burn the place for I am a soldier myself and I know what fighting is the companythat I belong to has 80 some men in it and I know that we can Wipe the best 200 rebels that they can fetch to us or let us get where they are Samuel and Joseph is well and send their love to you and Elizabeth And to father I seen David today and he is well and send his love to you and the rest George and all the rest of the boys are well it is very warm here but we have very easy now nothing to do but picket duty And where we are we can see the rebels every day and hear them hollow but the river is between is they was a rebels boat came down to our fleet with a flag of truce it came from Charlston to exchange prisoners and they said that they had some prisoner out our regiment they had the list of three men out our company but they did not fetch them along with them but still I was very glad to hear that they had not killed them they been a great deal talk of them killing all the colored soldiers that they catch
We do not suppose to fight much now any more for we have not been paid anything since we have been in the field thay have offered to pay us but did not want to give us as much as white soldiers and so we won't or wouldn't take any
I think we will get home before very long yet and when you write I wish you let me know What harm the rebels has done my love to you and father and Elizebeth and all inquiring friends is roll call and I must [unclear: clothe] good night until again please to write soon and Direct your letter to Company J 54 Massachusetts regiment volunteers Morris Island S.C. via of Hilton Head
Jacob Christy
