griffing@fnal.gov

The Civil War Letters of William Beynon Phillips

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Office of Commissary General of Prisoners
Washington, D. C. April 9, 1865

My Dear Annie,

I arrived at Philadelphia yesterday morning and had the great pleasure of meeting Will [Davis] & [your sister] Sue. They left though unawares to me. I was sorry for that. Will you please mention that to them.

I left Philadelphia at 1 P.M. for Annapolis, but at Wilmington I met my old friend Mr. Baker of Philadelphia who made me proceed here, and here I arrived at 8 P. M yesterday. Here I have met some very dear old friends and I am all right and enjoying myself.

This morning I saw the Major in [regard to discharges] and by all appearances [and] I believe there will be no need to go to Annapolis, Maryland. He told me he would give me an order to go to Major Vincent, A. A .G., U.S.A., and there at about 11 A.M., I expect to be made a Citizen of these United States.

I can’t say Annie dear when I shall come to Hyde Park – maybe in a week or two – but you can expect a letter from [W.] P. every 2 or 3 days.

I saw an old friend of mine this morning, in this office, and he tells me that I am sure of employment here, at $1200 or $1400 per Annum, if I will succeed. I shall stay in Washington for the present but don’t be alarmed. I was coming to see you, and then dear Annie we can have things fixed. Then I hope that my dear Annie and me will be happy in each other’s love. About Wednesday I shall write you again.

Please address Headquarters, Department of Washington.

Write soon, dear. Adieu, Yours till death -- William

Excuse a bad pen, and [my] hurry.

Footnotes

Major Thomas M. Vincent signed out discharges from the Adjutant General's Office in Washington, D.C.

griffing@fnal.gov