27th Infantry at Fort Philip Kearney in 1868

Autograph Letter Signed from a member of the 27th Infantry, 4p. quarto, Fort Philip Kearney, Dakota Territory, April 20, 1868, and reads in part: "...You want me to tell you something about this country, the only description I can give is this, Imagine yourself hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, living at a place called a Fort, in buildings constrcuted by logs, the opening closed with mud, and all enclosed by a fence, or rather stockade. About 15 feet in height built of logs, bullet proof. We are well prepared from any sudden attack from Indians, they cannot do as much damage, and never come within the range of the artillery, of which we have a good supply. In one direction is to be seen the Rocky Mountains, in all others Rolling Prarie....Though I am a soldier Ellen, I have none of the duties of a soldier to perform. I have not shouldered a musket yet, nor do I intend to. If it was not for one thing I would think myself very comfortably situated...We have plenty of vegetables bro’t from Montana, also canned chicken, lobster, fruits, jellies, jams &c & c in endless variety..." Good.