American Historical Ephemera & Photography

RICE, Franklin, Jr. (b. ca 1840). Autograph letter signed ("Frank"; "Franklin M. Rice") to his wife Ellen. Annapolis, MD, 28 March 1864. 4 pages, 8vo, toned at old creases, contemporary ink stains (referenced in the letter).

Rice, a private in the 94th New York Infantry, writes affectionately to his wife. He reports duty of guarding prisoners: "there was eight hundred of them - they came from Richmond on Friday but they look as though they had been half starved and I think they have." He also comments on news that his father-in-law and another are considering enlistment: "I think it is the Best thing they can do...tell them to come into our Reg't." Also encouraging them do so "before the tenth of April if they wish to get their U.S. government Bounty." 
 
[With:] Partly-printed discharge document. Near Washington D.C., 18 July 1865. 1 page, 4to, 8 3/8 x 10 13/16 in., old creases, toned.

Rice enlisted at 21 years old on 28 October 1861 at Ellisburgh, NY as a private, mustering into Co. C of the 94th New York Infantry on 13 February 1862. He re-enlisted on 5 January 1864, was promoted to corporal on 7 June 1865 before mustering out, as the document here attests to, on 17 July 1865.