Early War Letter from Col. Sullivan Amory Meredith (Later Brigadier General) Writing from “Camp Meredith” – Gives Great Description of His Camp & the Daily Drills!
This 3-page letter in ink comes with its original envelope with “Rockville, Md. June 11th, 1861” cover. Meredith led the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry until July 31st, 1861 and then became Colonel of the 56th Pa. Infantry. He was wounded on 8/30/1862 at Second Bull Run and made Brigadier General 11/29/62. The letter is in fine condition.
The Meredith family is a fascinating one with William M. Meredith serving as United States Secretary of Treasurer under Zachery Taylor (in that capacity he received one of two 1849 Double Eagles… now worth 5 million +). And, of course, we know about Sullivan Meredith of the famous Iron Brigade.
A very historic letter.
#L6-11-61PA – Price $250
Transcription:
Camp Meredith
June 11th, 1861.
My Dear Gertrude,
Having a little time to myself today, I shall devote it to writing to you and must tell you to consider half of the letter intended for Pidge. I suppose you have seen by the papers that all the camps in this neighborhood are named after your Father and as all the Regiments are separated, Camp Meredith covers considerable ground. My Regiment is about one mile to the north of Green Castle and is pitched in a beautiful wood with a fine open field in front of it for a parade ground. The camp of course is under my command and to give you an idea of what work is daily to be done, I will give you the orders.
Reveille at dawn of day. Company drills for one hour and a half. Breakfast call at 6 1/2. Ground mounting at 7 1/2. Surgeon’s call at 8. Battalion drill from 8 1/2 to 10 1/2. Company drill from 10 1/2 to 12. Dinner call at 12 1/2. Company drill from 2 to 4. Supper at 5. Surgeon’s call at 5 1/2. Battalion drill from 6 to 7 1/2. Retreat at twilight. Tattoo at 9, when all the lights are put out and the men put in to blankets. So you see there is not much idleness in camp. I suppose this cannot interest you much. My Dear Gertrude, but I really have nothing else to write about. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Cadwalader & daughter & sons Cormac at Chambersburg. Before leaving them, they had come up to see their friends in the troop. I hope they gave you all, all the love I sent you by them. We are ready to move at a moment’s notice and are daily expecting orders. My health is very good and camp life seems to agree very well with me. I would much rather be in active service than confined in camp. I allow more of the men to leave and therefore remain myself to set them a good example. I must now say good bye and with much love to all including a mutual friend of ours in or near Washington.
Believe me, My Dear Gertrude,
Ever yours affectionately,
S. A. Meredith (Sullivan Amory Meredith, Col. 10th Pa. Infantry)
