The following letter was written by Philip W. Royse (1840-1865), the son of Frederick Royse (1817-1849) and “Marcy” Zaring (1822-1905) of Fredericksburg, Washington county, Indiana. Philip enlisted on 27 July 1861 as a corporal in Co. C, 23rd Indiana Infantry but was later reduced to ranks and mustered out on 28 July 1864 after three years service. Though he survived the war, he died at home on 21 October 1865.

Philip wrote the letter to his cousin, Simeon G. Royse (1837-1867), the son of John W. and Mary (Garriott) Royse of Fredericksburg, Indiana.

Transcription

Camp Smith
Paducah, Kentucky
November 26, 1861

Dear Cousin,

Yours [received] bearing date of November 10th. I was very glad to hear from you. We are still in the land of the living & able for our allowances when we can get them.

Well, Sim, you say that Martin Luther has been tearing up Jack and cutting around as he has a many a time before. I say he ought to go to the penitentiary & he never will get his just dues until he does. I heard that he was going to join the army. All I can say is that if he does, he will not get to do as he pleases. But I want you to get him to go if you can. Then that will be a good way to get rid of him.

Sim, I am very sorry that your girls are both taken from you. Jane & Beck both are taken from you—that is too bad, I do declare. Well, Sim, there is as good fish in the sea as ever was caught out.

Trave Andrew arrived here last Saturday morning. We were all very glad to see him and now I want to see you & Baily for the next ones—you lazy stingy shits you. If you don’t come, I will make you wish you never had seen me. George is about well. He has been discharged from the hospital and is now in camp. Well, good old Simeon of old, the next time you go a courting, remember me and give her a smooch for me right in the mouth.

There was a very bad accident happened at the hospital today. They were hoisting a cannon. It fell and wounded six men. A Zouave had both of his legs broken. He belonged to the 11th Indiana. The others belonged to the 40th Illinois. Three of them will be very apt to die.

I must close now. write soon. Yours as ever, — Philip W. Royse

to S. G. Royse