This letter was written by Michael G. Gephart (1842-1926) of Ava, Oneida county, New York. Michael enlisted on 21 August 1862 to serve three years in Co. I, 117th New York Infantry—sometimes called the “4th Oneida Regiment.” He was promoted to a corporal on 20 August 1862; was wounded in action, 16 May 1864, at Drewry’s Bluff, Va.; returned to the ranks on 20 January 1865; was promoted sergeant on 1 March 1865; and mustered out with his company on 8 June 1865, at Raleigh, N. C.

In the 1860 US Census, Michael was enumerated in the household of John C. Flint of Ava, New York, working as a farm laborer. Emma, to whom this letter was addressed, was John’s daughter and wound have been 15 when this letter was written in March 1863. The 1900 US Census informs us that Michael’s parents were immigrants from Germany.

TRANSCRIPTION

2nd Battalion, 117th Reg. New York State Vols., Co. I
Camp Morris [Near D. C.]
March 7th 1863

Dear Friend Emma,

I have just received yours & was glad to hear from you. I am well at present. Have not had much sickness since I have been here. I have been thing[ing] that I wrote to you last but I may be mistaken. I know that I wrote to George last. Well, Emma, I would like to see you very much & would like to spend a few days out in Ava but I can’t see it. When you write again, tell me what regiment—I mean what number is the regiment that your cousin belongs to and I think that I can find him.

You spoke about the guard house. Well, to tell the truth, I have been in once and I think it is the last time. That came by looking for your cousin. The patrol took me to the central guard house at Washington and the next day I got out & came to camp. My captain said that I was a nice corporal and he would not reduce me to the ranks. We have to work on the fort but don’t work hard—three hours a day. And we drill one hour.

In yours you said you thought that I was mad because you had not sent me a box. Well, I have not been made nor thought of such a thing. At present, we have enough meat to eat. The weather is not very cold. We have seen the time that we did not have much but better times have come, thank God for that.

Well, Delos Flint may keep that money and go to that place we read of in the good book. As for clothes, we have plenty of& very good. I have not wrote very often but have thought many times of you and the rest of the family. You spoke of valentine. Well I don’t know anything about it. It may have come from Charles Barlet. I want to know how Douglas gets along.

As for money, I have not one red [cent]. I don’t need it. You must tell George & Ester that I send my best respects to them and if I ever get out of this, I may work for him once more.

Sometimes I got to the Capitol and see them great men and hear them quarrel and blow at each other. Mary Bates sends things to me. She came here with a wagon load of pies and cakes. Well that was a treat, I can tell you. Well, I had heard that you had a party. Well, I can’t blame you for enjoying yourself. Oh! I forgot to tell you that the Capitol was the largest and most beautiful building that I ever saw [with] its splendid marble walls. The picture gallery is worth seeing. The Senate Chamber with its carpet floor is a nice place.

I was glad to hear that your mother was well and tell her that I hope she will never get crooked again. This place beats all I ever saw for mud. We have more mud than you have snow. You must tell Lida to be a good girl & look out that Jacob Seefer. I hardly know what to write, the boys making noise of all kind. I must close by seng my love to you, so goodbye. From friend, — Michael

You must excuse all mistakes.