The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

York, PA, 10 September 1862. 4 pages, 5 1/8 x 8 1/8 in., creased, some tearing to creases. With illustrated patriotic cover featuring depiction of Uncle Sam thumbing his nose at the USS Merrimac, addressed to "Mr. Ira Wood, Romeo Macomb, Co, Michigan." In this letter to his friend, Eldred writes, "...I received your letter last night and was glad to hear from you and if I dident [sic] have a good fuck god dam me i got my layin Whiskey super [sic] Breakfast layin and ram a way to pay the bill i took 7 rounds during the night and i had to shoulder my ass to get in this morning by god." Turning to his experience in the war, Eldred continues, "i dont no weather [sic] i shall get out of this or not i have got through the batels [sic] very well so far i got a grase [sic] at fair oaks on the head and it seems to effect [sic] my head." -- 26 October 1862. 2 pages, 7 1/4 x 9 3/8 in., creased, with some tearing/pin holes at creases and edges. With cover addressed to the same Ira Wood. Eldred writes that he is staying at the Convalescent Camp 7 miles from Washington and that he has been there since coming from the hospital in Pennsylvania. He expects to remain at that location until his discharge. He then turns to his opinion of the war, writing, "...the War don't seem to be so near at a close as it was 1 year ago and i don't think it will end for a year to come unless it ends this fall but there is no sines [sic] of that yet and if their [sic] bound to fight let them fight i have done my Share of fiting [sic] by god." 
 
The 5th Michigan Infantry took heavy casualties at Williamsburg, VA and Fair Oaks, VA where Private Eldred relates he suffered a graze to the head. He was taken prisoner at Savage Station, VA on 29 June 1862 and would be discharged for disability on 31 December 1862.