The following letter was written by Samuel Benjamin Barber (1838-1873). Samuel was born in Lewis, Essex county, New York but was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1861 when he enlisted in Co. D, 3rd Michigan Infantry (1st Organization). He was wounded on 15 July 1864 and mustered out that same year. He died in 1873 and was buried in New Boston, Michigan.

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Culpeper Court House, Va.
Saturday, September 26, 1863

My dear friend,

Yours of the 11th came duly to hand and found me in the best of health and hope that these few lines will find you as they leave me.

We are once more back to the Army of the Potomac after being a month inn New York City and up as far as the City of Troy during the draft in those places, but although being within 160 miles of home but still could not have the privilege of visiting them—not even one day while we remained in Troy which was two weeks, but still they would not let me have a furlough. Well never mind. My time will soon roll around. Then let us see them help themselves if they can although I talk of re-enlisting for three years more before I come home. What do you think about that? Had I better or not? Give me your opinion upon the subject. Ask Marjania what she thinks of it.

It rests with the folks at home whether I do or not. If things keep up at home as they have for the last year, I think that my home will be in the Army or in some unknown country from henceforth and forever more. It grieves me to hear how things are working at home. It seems to me as though they were trying their best to ruin me as I am the youngest of the boys and making more money that them all that they all work against me. But it is a long road that never turns. It causes me more sorrow than all things else to think that all of my relations should act as they do and those that I supposed were my friends have taken active part since I enlisted to do all in their power to prove my overthrow. Perhaps they will make it work, but I hardly think that they have the hardest job on hand that they have bargained, for very lately, if I cannot match them in some way, I’ll give it up for a bad job and call it square.

When you. write, let me know where Russell Duntley lives that I worked for two two weeks for that fall. He lived down near Ypsilanti on on his mother-in-law’s place. He took it for five years. I should like to know where he is. If you can tell me, I will be thankful to you for the desired information if you can give it and oblige your friend very much indeed.

Give my best respects to your folks. Tell Marjania to be a good girl and if the Lord’s will, I hope to see you all sometime. So farewell for this time. Write as soon as convenient. Give all the news. This is from your friend and well wisher, — Samuel B. Barber

To his friends Martha and Marjania Ray, Plymouth, Wayne county, Michigan