The following letter was written by Comfort Heber Ruggles (1841-1908), the son of Martin Luther Ruggles (1803-1850) and Fidelia Webb (1808-1894) of Milan, Erie county, Ohio. Comfort wrote the letter to his younger sister, Emily Ruggles (1843-1933) but mention his brothers Chester (b. 1833) and Carlton (b. 1838) as well.

In November 1861, when he was twenty years old, Comfort enlisted in Co. K, 67th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded on 10 May 1864 at Chester Station, Virginia, but survived the war and mustered out as a sergeant in Co. E in December 1865.

Not long after they were organized, equipped and drilled, the regiment was sent for duty at Paw Paw Tunnel and Great Cacapon Creek till March 10, 1862. It was while in winter camp on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad that Comfort wrote this letter in late February 1862.

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Paw Paw, Virginia
Sunday, February 23, 1862

Sister Emily,

I received your kind letter but not until Monday evening. When I got the letter, I opened it and commenced to read Carlton’s letter and read the first page and opened it to read the second [when] out fell yours upon the ground. I picked it up, looked to see who it was from. I soon found it was from you. It was nearly dark and by the time I had finished Carlton’s & Chester’s, it was so dark I could not see by day light to read yours so I went into the tent where a candle was lighted and then I read yours and was sorry to hear you had one of those troublesome boils or abscess upon your breast. I remember well the one which I had upon my side and I can sympathize with you in your pain. I hope, however, by the time this letter reaches you, you will be quite well. I am sorry, however, you trouble yourself so much about me.

I know how to appreciate sister’s affection but think not that I think not of home. I do think of home and am willing to lay down my life for my home and friends. I cannot think of going home so long as I have health and this rebellion lasts. When that is put down and peace restored, I shall then be willing to return home. Not until then. That time will, however, according to accounts, is near at hand. It is reported today that the rebels are leaving Winchester & Manassas. This report I heard since I finished Chester’s letter. I think it is time they were leaving for they are nearly surrounded and if they don’t look pretty sharp, we will have them. And if General Sanders will lead us on—that is, this division—-we will drive them from Winchester and McClellan drive them from Manassas.

We are encamped by the side of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and about 80 rods from the Paw Paw Tunnel. We got our stoves last Thursday and we are very comfortable now. They are two feet long and 10 inches in diameter. The weather here seems like Spring about the last of March. The mud, I think, in a short time [dry up]. Tell Carlton I will write to him soon as this side of the paper is not lined and I have rather an inconvenient place to write. I shall have to close. Please write soon. From your affectionate brother, — C. H. Ruggles

Direct to Cumberland, Maryland, Co. K, 67th Regiment, care of Lieut. J. Colton