Item No. 0057113

This letter was written in February 1863 by Corporal Albert P. Lanphere to his brother Musician Henry Lanphere. Both were members of Company I, 112th Illinois Volunteers. Albert writes from his home in the northwest Illinois town of Spring Hill, where he had evidently been ordered to recruit new men for the company. He expresses frustration, however, after discovering the recruiting handbills he had posted were removed. He blames the act on “Rebels” at home—referring to anti-war copperheads. He writes:

I want you to tell the Cap[tain] that I am ready to come back, as there is no chance to get a man to go with us. I put up about fifty bills in and about Geneseo and they were all torn down within three days. I wish we could come up here and fight Rebels, as I would much rather shoot them here than in the South.

He adds:

I think I shall be back within two weeks, as this State is sending all recruiting Officers back to their Reg[iments]s as fast as they can. I don’t care how soon we go back as I am getting somewhat homesick and lonesome.

At the close of the letter, Albert encourages Henry to write to their parents. “They think you have forgotten them.”

The 112th Illinois would be converted to mounted infantry that April and would fight in the Knoxville Campaign before being dismounted early in 1864 and fighting as infantry through the Atlanta, Nashville, and Carolina Campaigns. Both Albert and Henry Lanphere would survive the war, mustering out in 1865..

The letter was written on both sides of a single sheet of 5” x 8” writing paper. Very good with some toning/staining to the margin. Two punch holes are also in the margin. The full transcript appears below:

Spring Hill, Feb 24th 1863

Brother Henry
I just received a line from you yesterday and now hasten to answer. We are all well and trust this may find you still enjoying the same. I want you to tell the Cap that I am ready to come back, as there is no chance to get a man to go with us. I put up about fifty bills in and about Geneseo and they were all torn down within three days. I wish we could come up here and fight Rebels, as I would much rather shoot them here than in the South.

I sent you five dollars and expect you have got it before this time. You must make that do till I come back, as it is not safe to send by mail.

I think I shall be back within two weeks, as this State is sending all recruiting Officers back to their Regs as fast as they can. I don’t care how soon we go back as I am getting somewhat homesick and lonesome.

I have no news to write this time, but will tell you all about it when I come back. You must write to father and mother. They think you have forgotten them. Goodbye till I see you.
Yours Respectfully
Albert P. Lanphere