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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



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