The following letter was written by a soldier named “George” from Farmville, Virginia, in April 1865 following the surrender of Gen. Lee’s Army of Virginia. He was most likely in the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry but there were far too many George’s in that regiment to narrow his identity down further without more clues or an envelope. We know that he was married and had some “little ones” at home so he was probably in his late 20s at least.

The 48th Pennsylvania—the “Schuylkill Regiment”—was best known for its role in constructing the mine underneath the Confederate works near Petersburg where explosives were placed directly underneath Elliott’s Salient (see Battle of the Crater).

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Farmville, Virginia
April 18, 1864 [should be1865]

Dear Wife,

I received your letter of the 14th. We are still camped at this place, but have no idea when we will leave, though there are all kinds of rumors about camp; some say we will go to Alexandria and others that we will go back to Petersburg, and from there to City Point and take the boats for Washington; but there is no use in giving credit to any of these camp rumors.

We got the official news last night of Old Abe’s death; it had been rumored and talked about for a few days, but no one would believe it, until it was officially announced. I can tell you, if the punishment of his murderer were left to the 48th, he would get his dessert.

The Rebs have nearly all left here for their homes; some took the Oath of Allegiance, and others took their parole. Judging from their talk, they will never fight against Uncle Sam again. They are a miserable looking set of beings—no two of them are dressed alike, and they look as though they had come out of the grave. They look so thin and pale. There were a good many thousand of them here, but are now nearly all gone, some of them passed our camp on their way home and stopped to trade off their worthless money for a few Hard Tack. One fellow gave 80 dollars for four crackers.

Enclosed you will find a sample of their money.

I have no news of any importance so I will close. My health is still good and hope yours and the little ones are the same. My love to you and all the rest.

Affectionately yours, — George

Please send me ½ doz stamps. No more.