Letter from C.S. Morse, dated 1864-03-25

[3/25/64 3/26/64]

Newfane Mar 25rd 1864.

Mr Stevens, Respected Sir, [WBS]

We received your kind letter yesterday, and will you accept of many thanks for your kindness in letting us know of the whereabouts of my brother Corpl Newton Scott, we had not heard any thing before from him since Dec 19th and I began to fear he suffered and been allowed to starve to death. If paper reports are to be relied on, most of our men (prisoners) at R. must have fared hard, but I hope better times are near at hand for them and I hope this cruel war may end before long and our brave soldiers who have been spared may may return to their homes in peace.

Altho' you and most all the soldiers are strangers to me, you all have my

best wishes and hope you may be spared to return to your friends.

If my brother lands under the good old Flag again, I hope we may see him soon.

Death has made sad changes at [underline]home[/underline] since he left for the seat of war, a much [underline]loved[/underline] father has been called away from earth, and the old place is sold, which will cause much sorrow to N. when he comes to Vt again, but he shall not want for a home this spring if he returns to Vt so soon, we shall welcome his return any day - I have missed him very much and a younger brother too.

If N. is not able to write will you as some one be so kind as to write for him.

One of my step mother's nephews (Erastus White) was taken prisoner when N. was but not with him. we fear he is dead - as he is missing - do you know anything about him? whether he is alive or not. he belonged in the Co. with Newton Co. ["F"?]. If you write - direct as before

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Alvin S. Morse. Williamsville, Vt.

From your sincere wellwisher - C. S. Morse