| Item: | Soldier letter from Camp Franklin – Dubuque – September 14, 1862 |
| L.J.T.P. Number: | 200.013 (and 200.013.01) |
| Medium: | 9 5/8 X 7 7/8 Paper |
| Creator: | Unknown |
| Date: | September 14, 1862 |
| Place: | Camp Franklin, Dubuque, Iowa |
| Period: | Civil War America 1860 – 1865 |
| Keywords: | Cooks Company, Camp Franklin, Turner Hall, John Mathews |
| Citation: | Unknown. Soldier letter from Camp Franklin – Dubuque – September 14, 1862. 1862. Dubuque. Library of John T. Pregler, Dubuque.
(Source: Library of John T. Pregler) |
Text of Letter [sic]
Dubuque Sept 14th 62
Dear Mother
I am seated with pen in hand for the first time in this city since the departure of Cooks Co. from Waterloo.
Our journey was performed with no important incidents the slight sprinkle of rain not dampening the enthusiasm of the boys so as to prevent the continuous cheering as the train passed juvenile patriots and those of more mature age throwing to the breeze hats, handkerchiefs, flags, etc.
We arrived at the Depot passed through the mud up into the city charming the “Times” as we halted for a moment in front of the office, then on back to Main St and halted on the sidewalk until the arrival of some of our officers who had gone to report and look for quarters (not garters). He at length returned and we took up our baggage and line of march were conducted to “Turners Hall”, a three story building which somebody commenced for a theatre but were not able to finish and it is now used for a more laudable purposes. six quarters for uncle Sam’s boys for which it is quite well adapted and the ticket desk on the second floor servers me at present for a writing table. We get our meals in the same building which by the way are rather better the Sherman horse rations of Raw beef & rank butter. The Union Co. was quartered with us (or rather in the same building for they removed to another room when we took possession of one end and gave us to understand that they did not wish to associate with our co.) for a few days but they are gone to the barracks thank fortune and are going in a separate Regiment. Let them go and the sympathy of Waterloo with them. We know we are wicked boys but we will try and do something for our country if we cant wear kids, and we shall find friends some where. Remember.
I have been to see the 21st Reg. on dress parade twice. They are encamped at cap Franklin about two miles from here. They have been expecting to leave soon but I suppose will now await Pope’s orders.
I saw John Mathews among them who by the way was initiated into the Themplars lodge last Monday eve. Thursday eve the ladies of the lodge gave the soldiers a supper and warmed our hearts by a general good time.