Bristoe Station Va.
March 25, 1864
Dear Father,
Yours of the 22nd was received last evening. This is the third letter I have written you since you have been in Phila. Nothing special has happened here since I wrote you last. We have had quite a deep snow—deeper than at any time previous this last winter, but it is almost gone this morning and melting fast.
I believe that Genl. Grant came out to this Army today but I did not see him—I have never had the pleasure of seeing him yet. I hope his laurels will never fade—but he is in a crucible now that will test his metal.
As you have had your conference with those Oil men, I suppose the offer has been accepted or rejected by this time. I do not doubt that if you have been what is known as a shrewd speculator, you might have been independently rich, since the oil excitement first started in Venango Co. But I agree with you in thinking that a “clear conscience” if [is] preferable to millions of ill gotten gain.
In Frank’s letter to me he says he intends to go to Commercial School again this Spring, as soon as he finishes his School—this I am glad to hear, for if he could have written a more legible and business-like hand I could have obtained a position for him at $75. per month last winter. The war has doubtless thrown him back as well as me, but it’s all for the best—at least I look upon it in that light.
A young man by the name of Lauth, a fellow clerk with me, was going home on furlough to Reading, and as he said he expected to stop at the Continental in Phila. I told him to see you, and lent him some money which he did not need, he was to give it to you if he saw you. He is a good kind hearted fellow and a polished gentleman. He left France for the sole purpose of enlisting in the Pa. Reserves as a private soldier. Patriotic, wasn’t he?
I am glad you write me frequently—I will write you as often if you keep me posted as to your whereabouts. I’ll tell you what I want—and please don’t forget it—go to some good photographic gallery in Philadelphia and have a dozen of Cartes de Visite struck off and send me one. They are so much better than ambrotypes [1] etc. I shall expect it in your next letter.
Give my kind regards to Col. E. W. Davis. I shall not forget his good intentions towards me. Hoping that success may crown your efforts.
I have the honor to be your son.
J. D. Chadwick
Rumor says that we will be discharged in May—
Hope its true.
About what will the country be “in commotion”? J. D. C.
Next posting: March 26, 2014
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335
[1] A photograph made on glass.