Dated “Carlisle, August 20^th [18]62”. Addressed to Julia St. Clair, Norristown, PA. 8 pp. in pencil on unlined paper, 5” x 8. Exhibits fold-marks. Else VG.

Jacob R. Steinmetz enlisted as a private in Co “C”, 15^th PA Cavalry, 8/22/1862, and was mustered out, 6/21/1865. His unit saw service in the western theater, and participated in the Battles of Stones river, Missionary Ridge and in Stoneman’s huge cavalry raid near the end of the war.

Julia St. Clair (1842-1864) was a great-grand daughter of Revolutionary General Arthur St. Clair. It seems also certain that Jacob Steinmetz was romantically linked with Julia, but in 1864-65, Julia died. Jacob’s last letters to her are ones in which he asks why she hasn’t written to him.

Text summary: In this letter Steinmetz writes about camp, bad coffee (like muddy water), and that camp life as a soldier is harder than just wearing a uniform and sweet-talking the ladies. He says that it is hard to sleep and often the sentry calls “who goes there” and is answered with “friend”, he states that he has no regrets about the choice he made (in signing up), his spirits rise with every obstacle, but that he wishes he could spend an hour or two with her. He reminds her again of her promised photos.  [JP]

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