Future U.S. President Garfield was lieutenant-colonel and then colonel of the 42nd Ohio Volunteers; he would become a brigadier general in 1862 before resigning to serve as a Congressman in 1863.
Transcript:
Camp Chase, Oct. 4, 1861
Dear Rev. Jones,
Jefferson is here—has been mustered into the Hiram company & is well—I expect a large deputation of friends & brethren here—from Hiram—to visit us next Saturday week—and to spend Lord’s Day—how I want you to come with them—and preach to our boys on Sunday—I will pay your Expenses at least—
The friends will leave on the first train from Cleveland Saturday morning—and you must come down with them—I presume they will buy some thing in the Eating way– & want you all to have a touch of camp life—May be you will conclude to stay—
Cant the Dr come down also & bring some others with him?
Truly Your Brother
J. A. Garfield
P.S. Answer me soon—J.A.G.
Citation: James A. Garfield (1831-1881), autograph letter signed to J. H. Jones. Camp Chase, Ohio; 4 October 1861. AMs 774/4