The first letter, written from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, shortly after William Silveus' enlistment:
September 5th AD 1862
Dear Mary,
I am now at Pittsburg put up at an old dutch Inn where I am treated like an own son. We
expect to stay here until next Monday as we can't get transportation until then. I will
now tell you a little of our journey. We arrived in Newtown [this is in Eastern
Greene County] the same evening that we left home and were addressed by Mr Wise and
Mr. Clophus and ------[illegible] Fordyce and Mr. Oliphant and then paraded the streets
awhile and then we went to supper at the widow Moores stand where we put up for the night.
She enquired all about you and the rest. Sarah [illegible] Moores is a coming to see
you in about two weeks but I must return to my journey. The next morning we had
prayer by the rev Mr Baird and then we got in wagons and got to the river again not ex a
block where we took dinner and then we took the boat and arrived here this morning where
we are all in good spirits.
Now Mary I will close for this time as I nothing more to write at this time. Keep
in good spirits for I heard today that the 8th regiment will be placed to guard the City [Washington
DC] and some thinks that we will have to pass the examinations before we leave here.
No more at present. May God bless you.
W. Silveus
Letter 2