Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C.
April 22, 1863
Dear Father & Mother:
I address you this time from “the city of magnificent distances” as a foreign prince once said of Washington. We came here day before yesterday and are in barracks a short distance and immediately east of the Capitol. We will undoubtedly stay here for some time as we have relieved the troops who were here doing patrol and provost guard duty. You will easily find us now when you come on your visit to this place as we are but a few rods from the depot where you will land. All the boys are highly pleased with the arrangement and will willingly put in the remainder of the “during” in this situation if allowed to do so. Col. Fisher is in command of the Brigade. The 1st Brigade I have heard nothing from and do not know what disposition is to be made of it. The 2nd is at Alexandria doing guard and patrol duty.
I have not heard from Everill for some time. Sylvanus is still at Patterson Park Hospital. I wrote to him a few days since and told him that you were coming to visit me—he says he wishes you to be sure to call and see him as you come through Baltimore. Did you know that Unce Jer. is married again? He is but I cannot tell you whom to or anything about his wife. A young fellow who is in the sutlers establishment of our Regiment from Smethport, by name of Armstrong, told me that he was married. He says that John R. is doing very well—he is interested in extensive coal lands and they have now got a railroad through them. When you write let me know when you are coming. What is Frank’s address?
Those letters from Ship and ma furnished me with reading matter for more than an hour but I finally deciphered them out. All the boys are well.
I am affectionately,
Your Son
Jas.
Next posting: May 1, 1863
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335