The following letter was written by G. W. Moss to his brother J. W. Moss on 1 July 1863—the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. He wrote the letter from (presumably) his home in Newtown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, mentioning the “excitement” of the populace on account of the “call of the Governor and the Rebels being in the eastern part of the State.” The call by the governor was for the home militia to turn out to defend the state.

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

Newtown, [Bucks county] Pennsylvania
July 1, 1863

Mr. J. W. Moss, brother,

Having spare time this morning, I thought I would drop you a few lines. I arrived at home on the next Friday evening after leaving your place with about 200 head of sheep, two horses and a yoke of cattle. I have not been away since and don’t expect to be very soon. Since I come home, I have been tolerable busy practicing doing better than trading these squally times.

We have had here the greatest rains I ever saw—just come in time to make us an abundant crop.

There is a great deal of excitement manifested here at this time about the call of the Governor and the Rebels being in the eastern part of this State. They are just doing as they please and the people let them, They have pillaged everything so far as they have went (Chambersburg, Little York, Carlisle, &c.). The people here act quite easy. They allow Harrisburg and other places to take care of themselves because we know we will have to if need be. For my part, I [al]low those to go that can spare the [time] better than I can—those that had fortunes gave them. Charity begins at home. It would not put a dollar in my pocket, no difference what becomes of the aristocrats of Pittsburgh & Harrisburg.

I haven’t heard anything from John yet. Why? I can’t tell you but I would like to know something of him very bad. Yet how can I is more than I know. There is something wrong, you can rest assured. What? I can’t say. A few suggestions in the way of thought. You ought to try to sow a good patch of buckwheat. It will be ready sale and good feed and is easily raised. Also fruit is growing to be very scarce so for a healthy secure, you ought to have a big patch of turnips (sowed then). You have the very ground for them if you can get it cleared. I wouldn’t enlist until I was bound to.

We are as well as common and hope the few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing. Write soon. Your brother, — G. W. M.

To J. W. Moss