The following penciled letter was written by Benjamin W. Higby (1844-1871), the son of Benjamin Higby (1804-1882) and Mary Emeline Fowler (1809-1878) of New Haven, Connecticut. Muster rolls indicate that Benjamin enlisted as a private on 10 February 1864, initially as a recruit in Co. K of the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He was later transferred to Co. A and mustered out of the regiment on 18 August 1865.

19 year-old Higby’s letter speaks of armed guerrillas on the road between Harpers Ferry and Winchester in 1864 who often apprehended stragglers and robbed them of anything valuable. We learn that he fell victim in this manner, lost his money, but made good his “escape.”

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

Shenandoah Valley
November 14th 1864

Dear Father,

Since I wrote to you last I have had quite a tram[p]. I only reached my regiment only a few days ago. There is some talk of the 1st Division of the 6th Corps going into winter quarters in Havre de Grace and if they go there, we shall in all probability go into fortifications. Please write as soon as you can. Coming from Harpers Ferry to Winchester, the road is blocked with guerrillas who pitch on the fellows and rob them. I with several others were guarding a wagon train from Harpers Ferry to Winchester. It is a long ways and as the wagon train moved very fast and I had a big load, I fell behind and was captured by them and had all my money taken from me but I was thankful to make good my escape.

But i have not time to explain the particulars which I will do in my next letter. Give my love to all the folks. I would like very much to have some money to last me till next pay day which comes in a few months. My address is the same as before. Yours in haste, — B. W. Higby