The following letter was written by Sarah Josephine (“Josie”) Harp (1845-1929), the daughter of Samuel Harvey Harp (1803-1890) and Jane P. Butler (1809-1881) of Chili, Miami county, Indiana. Though Sarah had several older siblings, the only other one mentioned in the letter was her younger sister Mary Jane (“Mollie”) Harp (1849-1893).

We learn from the letter that this was the first letter Josie ever wrote to Lt. George Platts of Co. H, 28th Michigan (1841-Aft1930) whom she referred to as “an entire stranger.” On-line family records inform us, however, that Josie and George ‘s awkward first exchange of letters blossomed into a relationship that resulted in their marriage on 5 November 1867. George was born and raised in New Hampshire but served in a Michigan regiment and after the couple were married, they eventually moved to Iowa where George became a general store keeper.

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

Chili, Miami county, Indiana
November 10th 1865

Mr. Platts,

Sir, I take pleasure of acknowledging the kind receipt of a kind & welcome letter dated October 20th which was read with interest and highly appreciated. Though from an entire stranger yet not less welcome for that, for a soldier is worthy a kind friend & I am one to those good boys who have gone from home to put this rebellion down which they have done with much suffering many brave boys have fallen never to return. I have one dear brother laying in his silent grave at the fort of Morganza, Louisiana. Only served 4 months. Died in hospital of typhoid fever.

You thought perhaps I might take you for a Johnny Reb. I don’t think you are or I would not disfigure paper writing to you. This is the first I ever wrote to a stranger. I hope you will pardon all mistakes whatever. I have written a great deal to soldiers but not to strangers although I think I can learn by corresponding awhile. I wish to know how you learned my address & all the particulars.

You are partly mistaken in the name. Mine is Sarah Josephine, principally called Josie. My sister’s name is Mollie. You tell me how you learned of us & I can give you all the news. I am living in a town called Wooleytown which is a pleasant place. Quite a number of good looking & respectable young ladies reside near & a few gentlemen of the books. We have parties, singings and amusements & we enjoy it. I hope when you get out of the service you may enjoy the pleasures of a happy life if there be any. A great many return home and are not satisfied, are lonely, and heart broken & must travail everywhere.

Well, you will think I don’t know what to write about. I hardly do for there is so much going on in the street, my mind is on that. But one thing I forgot to tell you, we just moved here last week. We rented our farm & bought this lot in town. Would like to have someone to keep store. We own the store house & talk some of being clerk myself.

I was at my eldest niece’s wedding yesterday. Perhaps you have heard of her—Miss Olivia Beckner (quite young). Mr. Platts, please give me the name of your cousin you spoke of. I was slightly acquainted with a young man which said he lived in Rindge, N. H. His name was Cobern. If he be your cousin, give him my regards and I hope he is enjoying a happy life.

Mr. Platts, I am truly sorry you had the misfortune of receiving a wound which I know must [have] been very painful. So many have endured the painful wound but you thought you would try it again, did you? I think once would be enough for me. I suppose a soldier thinks little of his life.

You wanted me to answer your letter. I always love to write the soldiers & will do the best I know how but I think I could do better that this in future for my mind was on something else at this time. Therefore, I hope you will excuse the composer and printer. If you think this worth an answer I would love to hear from you often and all the news going & if not asking too much, would love to have your photo as I have a great many soldiers & would like to see you one among the number.

I will bring this miscellaneous letter to a close wishing to hear from you at your earliest convenience & oblige your friend & well wisher. — Josie Harp

N. B. You can write my name in full if you wish—Sarah Josephine Harp, or I will get it if tis only Harp, Chili, Miami county, Indiana