This letter was written by Peter Miller who enlisted at the age of 25 as a private in Co. H, 7th Illinois Cavalry at Shelbyville, Illinois, on 7 September 1861. When he mustered in, Peter identified himself as a single farmer and gave his residence as Vandalia, Illinois. The regiment was organized at Camp Butler near Springfield. Four of the companies (A, C, G, and I) were sent to Bird’s Point, Missouri, on 30 October 1861, but Co. H remained in Springfield until late December 1861.

Peter survived the war, mustering out at Nashville, Tennessee, in November 1865. He married Mary Ann Lear (1846-1925) in 1866 and lived out his days in Fayetteville county, Illinois.

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

[Camp Butler near Springfield, Illinois]
November 1, 1861

Dear Miss,

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I take my pen in my hand to let you know that I am well at preset and I hope that these few lines that I may sent you may find you enjoying the same blessing. I received your letter this morning. I was glad to hear from you once more. I was in Springfield on last Friday afternoon. On Monday last we was in Springfield—seven regiments of us in a string. It made a long string. The town was crowded. There was a great many other people from the country.

I don’t know when we shall leave here. It is not known to the officers yet. I wish that you would come here. There is plenty to live on here while it lasts. I can’t say much this time. Isent my carpet sack with Pipher. He lives near Sitner’s. He was to leave the carpet sack at John Rice’s. George sent his with him. He is to bring it to Vandalia. The key is in the sack tied to a string. The string is tied to the handle.

Come as soon as you can. You can find out by Keller’s folks in Vandalia. My best respects to you and all enquiring friends. From Peter Miller

To Miss Amelia Miller. Direct your letters the same as the other. T get by, I sent my likeness with Marthy Hendrix to you.