Franklin County: Sam Pile to George Miller, January 10, 1863
Summary:
Sam Pile writes to George Miller about his life in the military and how he would rather be at
home. He feels that the North is fighting for "the wrong cause."
George M. Miller
Jan'y 10th 1863
Winchester, Va
George M. Miller
Friend George I suppose you will be surprised when you find this letter is from your old friend Sam Pile, well its a fact. I am still alive and well, I suppose you wonder how in the devil I come to be all the way here in Virginia. I can tell you that best another time.
I hear that you are still at your old business, making legars, setting rabbit looops and fishing, take my advice and stick too it, for it is a darned sight better than soldering, that is in the wrong cause.
Well George I've been knocking about this Southern Confederacy considerably since I wrote to
you last.
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and a devil of a time I've had I dont know where
I will strike to next, the next time you hear from me I will tell you something it would not
pay to tell it at the present time. George I hear that Al Weiser is dead, poor Natty we have
had many a gay time together The 87 Rgt P.V. is now at this place. I was somewhat surprised
when I found it out, I was mighty glad to see many of my old friends, and to hear from old York
for it has been a long while since I heard from there last
I want you to write me a long, long, letter, as soon as you get this and tell me what you
have been doing for the last two years. direct your letter to Miss Maggie Burnett Winchester
Va. now I know
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you will wonder what that means, it means I will be more likely to
get it if addressed to a lady, dont fail to write. Whisky is a scarce
article in this part of the world, only eight dollars a quart for stuff that would burn the
hair off a dog, when you write pour some on the paper then mabe I will
get a smell. If you see any of my folks tell them you heard from me. If you can send me some
York papers, to the same address.
Give my respects to all enquiring friends, be a good democrat and hate abolitionists and you will stand a good chance in the next world.
Yours truly
Sam Pile
