Franklin County: Lauramann Howe Russell to Ellen
Howe, October 23, 1862
Summary:
In response to a question from his daughter Ellen, Lauramann Howe Russell
describes the kind treatment of the people of Chambersburg toward the wounded
Union soldiers. He also mentions the layout of the town, its population, and
newspaper.
October 23rd 1862
Academy Hospital
Chambersburg
Pennsylvania
Dear Daughter Ellen
I was agreeably surprised this afternoon to receive a
letter from you dated the 20th
instant. I was right glad I can assure you to know that you were able to write. I had written a
letter to you but did not send it for I wished to get my pay and send some money
with it but I will write and send the two letters then send the money when I get
it I received a letter from Charles this forenoon
and have answered it. he told me about getting a box from home. He said that he
had caught a rabbit and had saved the fur for Frank. He tells me that he likes where he lives first-rate I am glad of
that hope he will stay all winter You say in your letter that you would like
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to have me tell you how I liked the people of Chambersburg well I
like them well thus far although I have had but very
little to do with them, but I judge of them by their acts. They are so kind to
the Soldiers that we cannot help but think at any
rate that they may be very good people. For instance a Mrs Brown sends one of
the soldiers his meals regular and has for more than two weeks probably will as
long as he stays. Mrs. McCellan brings in a great many things to eat. she most
always comes into my ward. there are others who are very much interested in the
welfare of our soldiers. the names of some of
them I mentioned in the other letter. I think that I should like to live in
Chambersburg if I had my folks with me. I think that the population of the town
is between six and seven thousand that is about the number that there is in
Marlboro is it not? The streets all run at right angles and are lighted with gas
in the night. The town takes its name from the man who founded it whose name was
Chambers. There are three papers printed in town. I directed one to mother the
other day over
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in it you will find an account of the rebel raid into Pennsylvania
written by Colonel McClure. I will send another soon
perhaps they will be interesting for you to read---
from your Father
Lauramann
