This is an eloquent letter written by an unusually well-educated man for the times, a, as best as I can make it out, "Mr. A. Gorman," of Smithfield, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1862 to a United States Civil War soldier. It is available on ebay here http://www.ebay.com/itm/371840584115?ul_noapp=true
My Esteemed Friend:
Your favor was received some days since and this evening is the first that has found me with time to answer it.............If I say anything intended to give bouyancy to your spirits and steady your nerves for the fearful conflict; it would be this. Prepare to live and die soldiers soldiers for Jesus as well as soldiers for your country and knowing that God is on your side go on and on till secession is banished from our shoes and we are saved from the impending.....that so closely awaits us. And if you die, die nobly and like one bouyed above the fear of death. But no. Why talk I thus! this must not be. This can not be. You will return. And when the clashing of arms is no longer heard. The name of rebel no longer echoed in our ears. And the British Lyon no longer feared. And instead of the present confusion all will be peaceful as when "The morning stars first sang together." Then will you rejoice that you endured hardships and braved dangers to perpetuate our Liberties............(signature)
My Esteemed Friend:
Your favor was received some days since and this evening is the first that has found me with time to answer it.............If I say anything intended to give bouyancy to your spirits and steady your nerves for the fearful conflict; it would be this. Prepare to live and die soldiers soldiers for Jesus as well as soldiers for your country and knowing that God is on your side go on and on till secession is banished from our shoes and we are saved from the impending.....that so closely awaits us. And if you die, die nobly and like one bouyed above the fear of death. But no. Why talk I thus! this must not be. This can not be. You will return. And when the clashing of arms is no longer heard. The name of rebel no longer echoed in our ears. And the British Lyon no longer feared. And instead of the present confusion all will be peaceful as when "The morning stars first sang together." Then will you rejoice that you endured hardships and braved dangers to perpetuate our Liberties............(signature)
