This letter was written by Philo E. Ruggles (1843-1863), the son of Noble O. Ruggles (1807-1892) and Sarah Shoens (1824-1890) of Syracuse, Onondaga county, New York.. Philo and his younger brother William Eugene Ruggles (1844-1907) served in Co. B, 122nd New York Infantry. Philo was a sergeant and William was a private. In the Battle of Rappahannock Station, on 7 November 1863, Sgt. Philo Ruggles was killed instantly by a shell fragment that hit him in the head when it exploded in the ranks.

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

Camp on Picket near Warrington, Va.
August 28, 1862

Dear Father and Mother,

We received your letter yesterday morning and it found us all well and in good cheer. We have been on picket six days now. I do not know how long we shall stay here. I had rather be here on picket than in camp and if we were in camp we would have to drill this warm weather. Now we do not have to drill—only stand guard nights and keep watch for guerrillas and if we can catch them, bring them into headquarters. We are driving them out the way pretty fast. We send out a patrol guard everyday for to pick them up. We have bread and milk most every meal. We have [to] pay twenty-five cents a canteen full of two quarts. It is pretty dear but we have it when we can get it. We draw rations of soft bread two or three times a week, dried apples, beans, rice, molasses, black tea, once in a while. I must close. I cannot think of any more to write about this time so I shall have to close. With my love and best respects to all inquiring friends. From Sergt. Philo E. Ruggles.

Dear Father & Mother,

I now take my pencil in hand to write too. We are all well and kicking. We have fun halting the big officers. We make them show their passes all the time they go through our lines. It is 3 o’clock, The drums is beating for church. I am growing so fast that you won’t hardly know me. Tell the folks to write to me. I don’t hear half of the news. Tell Tom Shoens to write and John Shoens to write. Give my love to all. — William E. Ruggles