| Two letters from Samuel Young Griffin, Pvt. 47th Regiment, Ohio Infantry, Company D These are on file at the University of Central Oklahoma, in Edmond, OK, donated by Charlotte Griffin (daughter in law) in the 1950's. They were transcribed by librarians. Camp Meadow Bluffs [Greenbrier County WV, west of Lewisburg] July the 24, 1862 "Dear Father and Family I now take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform you of my wellfare. I am in tolerable good health at this time and hope these few lines may reach and find you enjoying the same blessing. I received 2 letters from you the 8th, inst., one enclosed in a letter to the Captain. I was sorry to hear of Jameses death. But he is gone where the Salute of musketry is not heard over the grave of friends and fellow Soldiers, and where the sound of war is forever hushed. The health of the troops here is generally tolerable good. There has been but two deaths since we have been camped here. We took another scout across Greenbrier River, it consisted of our entire Regiment and about 300 cavalry. After we crossed the River the cavalry had an engagement with some of the enemies cavalry. Our men killed one and took a few prisoners while the rebels were trying to make their escape. There is nothing of importance going on here at the present. There are 3 Regs here and 6 companies of the 9th Virginiers. I want you to write soon & let me know where the 10th Virginies is stationed at. I heard that they was at Buckhanon but I don't know whether they are there or not. I received a letter from Uncle Benoni some time ago. They were well at the time the letter was written. I would like to see you all but I cannot at present. I must obey my countries call. Our Regiment is tolerably well drilled; we have company drill in the morning from nine till half past ten and Battalion drill from 4 till half past 5 in the evening and dress parade at 6 o'clock. We don't drill Saturdays & Sundays. I have nothing of importance more to write and must close my present letter. Give my best respects to all inquiring friends. No more at present but remain your affectionate son as ever. Wm Griffin) (Samuel Y. Griffin P.S. I found six postage stamps enclosed in your letter. I am very thankful to you for sending them." Yours S. Y. Griffin Louisville, Kentucky October 14, 1863 "Dear Father and family I take the present opportunity of answering your welcome letter which I received on the last Sunday. The money you sent came through safe. My health is about as good as it has been since I have been in the service for which I am thankful to the giver of all our mercies and blessing. For it is a great thing to have good health and especially in the Army. I hope that when these lines reach you they may find you in good health. I am working at the Medical Purveyor and have been for over a week. There is ten of our company detailed to work at the same place. We have to take in Hospital Stores and ship them to Nashville and to the Cumberland Army and to the Hospitals of this city. Some days we have to work tolerable hard and some days we scarcly have anything to do. We have a comfortable place to sleep. The Ohio Soldiers voted here yesterday for Governer. Vallandingham and Brough were the candidates. Vallandingham got but few votes among the soldiers but the Copperheads of Ohio gave him several votes but he is not elected and the copperheads are beat again. I guess you have heard all the war news. You must excuse me for not writing oftener for I can only have time to write at night or on Sunday. We are on duty from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. And you see I haven't much spare time. Write soon as you can. Give my best respects to all enquiring friends. No more at this t ime but remain your affectionate son. " S. Y. Griffin [to] Wm Griffin Read more about Samuel's life here. History of his Griffin Family. Contact a family member. |
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