Military: Civil War Letter: Frank S Morley to Margaret Lynn (Caufield): Fayette Co  

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Margaret Lynn (Caufield) received the following letter from Civil War
soldier:
Letter postmarked Brownsville, Pa July (?)
Addressed: Miss M L Lynn, Millsboro, Washington Co, Pa
Bermuda Hundred, Va
July 12, 1864
Miss Maggie:
        Doubtless you will be somewhat surprised at the reception of this note and wonder in your mind who it is that has had the impudence to thus address
you.  However I hope after you have kindly considered the matter you will
hold me guiltless.
        In the first place consider our position, hundreds of miles from home and friends in an enemy country: here we are constantly exposed to the deadly
missles from the enemy hurled into our midst and more than this the many
diseases that ever follow camp life are to be dreaded by the soldiers.
        In hours of affliction is the time a soldier feels most the want of that
dear mother, kind sister, or fond brother.  But as we cannot be blessed
with the society of our friends while we are in the army why can I not have
some good letters from the Patriotic and Union loving ladies of the North?
I think I may.  I think you will write me at least one.  Nothing is better
adapted to promote the happiness of a soldier while in the field than
plenty of good letters.  Camp life becomes loathsome and monotonous after
we have staid in one place untill I could point out every particular spot
of ground or perhaps point to every leave of vegetation growing on it.  I
must acknowledge we have not wanted for excitement here though, most
expecially that of the field of battle.
        This is a very mild and beautiful evening.  The sunlight has fallen from
the leaaves of the forest and lingers no longer on the summits of the
Western hills.  Every thing so calm, the air so pure and a gentle zephyr
playing by me, it makes me long for to be at home again that I mgiht take a
walk on some of those fine evenings with some of my lady friends.
        I heard from you a short time since; an Officer from our regiment was
passing up the River on the Boat and he saw you standing in the door of
your dwelling.  He waved his handkerchief. he did not know whether you
recognized him or not.  He was not close enough to speak to you.  He is an
old acquaintance of yours.  I was at Millsboro last fall when I was on
furlough but I did not see you.  Is Amanda Evans teaching school this
summer? If so, where at?
        I shall not trouble with a long letter this time but if you condescend to answer this imperfect note I will be most happy to entertain you the next
time with something more interesting.  And as I know generosity and
benevolence to be two prominant features of character, I have no fears but
you will answer it and write me a long letter.  Tis under this impression
that I bid you adieu. Truly your friend, Frank S. Morley
To Maggie Lynn
Address> Frank S Morley
                Comp "F" 85th PV
                Washington, DC