Letter written by Isaac N. Hays, Corporal Pa 102nd Co H, Dec. 7th 1861
December the 7th 1861 Camp Tenaly Washington D. C.
The sick are getting well our boys are all about well but your Lewis. and we came to the conclusion that we would write to you and let you know the truth of the matter. Lewis has been sick for some time after he went to the hospital he got better for a while and we thought he would be down in camp in a few days but he got homesick and he got worse and he is very bad now the doctor says his case is a very doubtful one which is very true if he don't take the turn soon for the better we fear he will not get along. He has a very high fever this morning and his legs are swelled a good deal we talked to him this morning but he gave us no answer. He has a very good place to lie and is well cared for. But we hope his life will be precious in the eyes of ……..and his life spared to get back home again.
Time forces me to close we will write often and let you know Lewis gets along nothing more.
Yours truly, I. N. Hays
please write soon
This letter was written by Corporal Hays to George Kniess, father of Pvt. Lewis Kniess. Lewis died of typhoid Dec 12, 1861. Read the letter written by Chaplain Stewart to the parents of Lewis Kniess, regarding his death.
The letter is in three pieces and there may be some missing text. The New York text on the torn piece can be seen in reverse on the first page of the letter above.
Transcribed & Submitted by
Lynn K. Lepley © all rights reserved