Elmira Prison Camp OnLine Library |
Letter
from D. Irvin, October 7, 1864
[This article is from the
Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina Library,
Chapel Hill.]
Prison
Camp
Elmira, N.Y.
Oct. 7/64
Dear
Sister --
Yours of the 27th was received in due time and found me quite well. I have
succeeded in getting a permit and enclose the same to you. Do not have me any
food or costly clothes made, but something heavy and comfortable, suitable
for this climate. Please send a heavy double blanket (cloured), 3 pairs yarn
socks, 2 pocket handkerchiefs (colored), needle cast, darning needle and some
yarn. Also, small male smoking tobacco. "Killekemick: if you can, a
pipe, and box. Blackening and some stationary. I expect this will be the only
opportunity you (words gone) of sending anything this winter. I hope you have
succeeded in getting Sid released. Let me know about it. Write and let me
know when you will send the things. Send the as soon as possible. Give my
love to all. Below I give you my measure, taken by a tailor. Any tailor will
understand it.
Your
brother,
D. Irvin
Ward 52
(Wooden
Pipe) Comb and toilet soap
Pants: 42 - 31 1/2 - 30 - 37 - 25 - 21 - 18
Vest: 24 1/2 - 36 - 30
Coat: 17 1/2 - 37 - 7 - 21 - 32 1/2 - 36 - 30
Grey or mixed color