Civil War Letter
from John Test
to Family

Camp Stoneman
near Washington, D.C.
Oct 14 1863

Dear Mother, Sister, Brothers and Cousin Jack:

I thought I would write a few lines, "If Jack is home:"     Well Jack I suppose you are enjoying yourself, while I "Poor Devil" am forced to sit in "solitude Repining" because I could not get a furlough.

Well, pitch in, 10 days is not a great while, so make the best of it; Sam Charters started home the morning after you left.

I left the hospital yesterday, and am now acting in your stead, until you return, by order of Leiut Davis, I am keeping company with the "Old Man". He sends his regards, hopes you will enjoy yourself, but adds be cautious.

Well, "Andy Curtin" is elected, so the papers say, and it must be so, well it is just what I expected.

The army is falling back, and by the way the cannonading is going on, I suppose there is some tall fighting out front.

Jack I wish you would buy me a pair of Buckskin Gloves, and I will pay you for them, cost about 1.50 or 2.00 not over that.

Well I must bring this to a close, hoping it may find you all in good health, as it leaves me at present.

Jack give my respects to all the Boys.

Mother, I have not received an an answer to my last, I suppose you got it.

Write soon to
Your Son, Brother & Cousin
John Test

The author of this letter is descended from the original John Test as follows:   John Test (1651-1706), Francis Test (1698-1762), John Test (1736-1777), John Test (b. 1771), Clayton Test (1807-1862), and then the author--John Test (b. 1838). Thanks to Louis D. Test of Santa Rosa, California for transcribing the letter. The original is in his possession.