This letter was written by Stephen Somes Manchester (1831-1914), the son of Stephen Manchester (1800-Aft1880) and Hannah Somes (1806-1858) of Solon, Somerset county, Maine. He wrote the letter to his sister, Mary E. Manchester (1842-1935).

Stephen wrote the letter from Camp Berry near Washington City, D. C. after his enlistment in January 1864 as a private in the 2nd Independent Battery, Maine Light Artillery. He remained in the service until 16 June 1865.

Stephen enlisted rather late in the war for a man his age and there’s a strong possibility he went as a substitute since his stationery pays tribute to substitutes.

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

Camp Barry
Washington
March 30th 1864

Dear Sister,

I don’t know which wrote last—you or I. it has been so long I have forgot, but I will write now. I am well yet. We are here and I don’t know how long we shall stay here. There is some talk that we shall leave soon but we don’t know anything about it. It is pretty certain that four or five batteries will leave soon but I don’t think we shall go. There is fifteen batteries here now.

I went out to the City the other day. I went up to where four companies of the heavy artillery was quartered and saw Elijah Wasgatt and Sam Savage [1st Main Heavy Artillery]. I went all through the Patent Office and the Smithsonian Institute that is just like a museum—only I did not have to pay anything for going in.

It is rather dull music staying here so long. It is one thing over and over again. When we leave here and go to the front, I expect it will be more stirring times there. Sis, not much news from the war now. Things is rather dull and I expect they will be till I get out in front. Then there will be something did.

I have not seen anybody from Solon that I knew. It will be my birthday the third of April and you will get this letter about the same time. Where do you suppose I shall be when I have another birthday? I think I shall be at home. I had a letter from James the other day but there was no news in it. When I write to one of you, I write to the whole. Tell Wilbert that I was glad to see that he could write so well. Write often—all hands of you. Yours in love, — Stephen Manchester