The first letter was unsigned and there is no accompanying envelope to aid us in the author’s identity. However, he does inform us that he served in the 30th Regiment and since it was datelined from Camp Keyes in September 1861, we know that he was in the 30th New York Infantry. He also informs us that he was in Co. D which was recruited principally in Saratoga county. Searching on the internet for letters by members of Co. D, 30th New York, I discovered that a number of them written by “J. N. Leggett” are housed at Williams College. There is another collection of his letters located at the Fort Pulaski National Monument under the name, “Jim F. Leggett, 30th New York,” Genealogical records this would have been James H. Leggett (1830-1864) of Sarasota Springs who was 30 years old when he enlisted on 20 June 1861 to serve two years. He was discharged for disability in 1862 but reenlisted later and died at Andersonville Prison. James was the son of Gabriel T. Leggett (1793-1883) and Sarah Robbins (1800-1890). In the absence of any other known authors from this company, I’m going to attribute the letter to Leggett but caution is advised and can only be confirmed by comparing handwriting samples. Unfortunately there are none on-line that I could find.

The second letter surfaced some time after the first which confirmed the handwriting belonged to James H. Leggett.

---

Letter 1

Camp Keyes [Arlington Heights, Va.]
30th Regiment, Co. D
September 5th, 1861

Have just received marching orders with two days rations & 40 rounds of cartridges to each and every man. The rebels are advancing and it begins to look like warm times. Well let ’em sizzle. We have on this side of the Potomac 187,000 troops with a reserve of 44,000 on the other side, and if they can get through our ranks, they are Bully Boys. They may, but I can’t see it. Scott says the boys can return to their homes on or by New Years. I can’t see it from where I am but he may. Our destination is Balls Cross Roads and if nothing happens, we shall return in two days.

Camp Keyes is situated directly opposite of Washington City, distance 1.5 miles, on a high elevation called Arlington Heights and the scenery is very beautiful indeed. Take a glass from where I now am and you can see 156 regiments—the prettiest sight I ever saw. Troops have been crossing Long Bridge for the last three days. Yesterday 27,000 crossed. You can pay no attention to the papers for everything is kept a profound secret. I do honestly think this thing will be settled by April. I may be wrong. Well, if I am, I can’t see it. I am all ready for the march. Well, you ought to see me and hear the Boys. They can hardly wait until eight o’clock. That is the appointed time to start. It is now 7:30 and I must be brief and when I return I will give you all the particulars if any, that is, to give.

---

Letter 2

Camp Keyes
Arlington Heights
30th Regiment, Co. D, N.Y. S V.
September 22, 1861

G. T. Leggett,

I received yours of September 17th and was very thankful indeed to hear from you and to hear that you was well and all hands in the same fix. This leaves me on top of this earth and I hope I will be permitted to remain on top until the war is over and the Stars and Stripes floats over every Confederate State—what say you?

You ask for war news. Well that is exactly what I want. You can get more news up to store than I can give you. Everything is quiet here and no prospect of anything else very soon. I came in off of picket duty yesterday from Munson’s Hill after a forty hour’s tramp but nothing turned up worthy of note. Several shots were fired but like [Fort] Sumter, nobody hurt. At Munson’s Hill the Rebels are throwing up great works adn planting cannon. I saw 6 cannon and that Rebel flag up there. The distance from here to their pickets is only a few miles. Beauregard has promised his men a chance to show their metal in less than 40 hours—so report days—but I don’t see it. Like all other reports, I presume is fake [?]

When I want current news from the seat of war, I get the Tribune and rely on what that contains as [ ] certain and true, don’t you? We have all northern papers brought in camp every morning and it is pleasing to read the news. Everything is so true. And the Washington Daily is as bad as any of them. You stick to Horace [Greeley] and you will be as well posted as anybody. But if I can get any news, I will forward it immediately to you. And at your leisure, please write and you will confer a favor on your obedient son, Jim. Remember me to all enquiring friends if I have any.

I [ ] Perry John has got a notion for [ ] that is the manner in which he has enlisted for he don’t know who will be his commanding officer and after the 32nd here enlisted, they will be transferred in another company. You tell him if he is bound to see the Elephant, that he can enlist in the Pet 30th and be sent on with dispatch and will have only 19 months to stay at the longest. There is room enough for 130 men in this regiment and if he wants to join and is bound, to tell his wife and I will give him all the particulars. The 30th is the regiment. I can make arrangements for 18 in Company D. More next time.