The following letter was written by a soldier at Camp Dennison in mid-December 1862. The Ohio regiment he was in was most likely organized there as it appears they were there for some time; not simply passing through.

Though I could not identify him, he provides good information on the timing of, and specifications on, the construction of stables built at the camp.

Transcription

Camp Dennison
December 16th 1861

Dear Brothers,

I take this opportunity to inform you that I am well at present, hoping these few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing. I received a letter the other day from someone but I could not tell who it was from as there was no name to it so I wasn’t able to answer it but whoever wrote it must excuse me for that is the only reason why I did not answer it. But that is not all, We get but very little time to write for we are out through on double quick every day. If we are not on drill, we are detailed in fatigue, such as moving old buildings or digging ditches or helping to build stables which they have been working at for the last week. They have got up 12 stables which are about 28 feet wide and one hundred and 80 feet long which employs about two hundred men, carpenters and all. Perhaps you may think that this is a lonesome place but far from that for it tis hard to tell when Sunday comes if it was not for the old minister [ ] to church. I must stop for here comes a pie peddler.

I think I can stand it for I have just devoured two pies—the best I ever ate—and as cheap as ever was bought, We have a chance to buy anything we want all hours of the day.

We have the finest weather I think I ever saw this time of year and the mud is all dried up and it is as pleasant as country as ever I yet saw, I must close for it is very near drill time. My best respects to all inquiring friends. — John W. McC____

Write as soon as you can.