The following letter was composed by Dutton Otley (1815-1867), the son of John and Sarah (Yearsley) Otley. At the time of writing this letter in September 1862, Dutton resided in Newtown Square, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and addressed it to Lieut. Ralph Buckley of the 124th Pennsylvania Infantry. Dutton had formed an acquaintance with Ralph, a shop owner in Media, Pennsylvania, during his years there in the 1850s. Dutton’s residence was situated at 11 E. State Street in Media, while Ralph’s shop and dwelling occupied the corner of State and Olive Streets.

From Dutton’s letter we learn that he was a Peace Democrat and intended to back. Democratic candidate George Archibald McCall of West Goshen township, Delaware county. McCall was called upon by Gov. Curtain to serve as a Brigadier General of volunteers to help recruit15 of the Pennsylvania Regiment into the Pennsylvania Reserves Division.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Newtown Square
September 14, 1862

Lieutenant Buckley,

I take the privilege of addressing you and your companions in the army a few lines. This infernal secesh war is just fairly commenced in my opinion but I hope I am mistaken. Nothing but time will tell if this country is ever united again. It must be by the Democrat Party and upon the Old Constitution principles and I hope to God we will be able to elect to Congress a majority this fall. The opposition party are scared at this time. The people are frightened about the invasion of Pennsylvania and war meetings is all the go through the State at present. But I think this is more a political trick than anything else. The Wide Awake parades have become unpopular. Therefore, the excitement must be kept up by them or they are defeated sure. The call for troops to defend this State must be for political effect for men that have gone and are to go are not soldiers. I need not name them. Our county will soon be depopulated if this continues and as for pay, they will hardly recover much for the State will soon become insolvent.

I have thought seriously about the poor people and how much they must suffer the coming winter. The capitalists are growling already. Our county convention comes off next Wednesday and I think if we get a good ticket, we will elect a part of it. General [George Archibald] M’Call is spoken of for Congress and if nominated, we will elect him without much doubt and give the Abolition candidate the privilege of staying at home. ¹

I am at Media often and see your better half and she appears to get along much better than I expected. She always speaks of you and prays for the war to close. I heard your letter read that you sent to Manby and myself and the one you sent to your wife. I am anxious to hear from you oftener and you are missed from Media more than any other man that has left the place. We will miss you more when the election comes than ever. But I hope we will be able to shoot the traitors with paper balls and you and your companions can use the rifle and saver on the rebels and I wish you a speedy return to your home and family.

The Building Association is progressing slowly but I think sure Mr. Price, the new secretary, gives entire satisfaction to all the members except. H. Bigfoot and son. They of course think Frank ought to of been elected. I wish you would write to me and give me the list of the regiment officers, their names and politics, and how many of the Democrats there is in your company in proportion to the opposition and what you suppose the working men at the factories will do this election. you can tell more than anyone else. This would be of great advantage to me. Party feeling is not very strong at present but perhaps it will be before the election.

Governor Curtain in drawing in the lines tight. I hope to hear from you soon and give my respect to all my friends. My next I will be able to give you a full history of the examination of the militia by Dr. Roland.

Your friend, — Dutton Otley

---

¹ General George Archibald McCall was a Democratic candidate for Congress from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1862. He was defeated by John M. Broomall, the Republican candidate.