Civil War letter archive of Private Frank P. Longstreet, 137th Regiment , Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company A, friend of J. J Dewey. Includes six letters from 1862 - 1865. Of the group, the September 27, 1862 Sharpsburg, Maryland (Antietam) letter is the most poignant and graphic in the description of the carnage and loss of life: "Our Brigade was in the late great battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam).....We arrived on the battlefield a week ago yesterday and the Regt worked all day Saturday and Sunday burying the dead. The scene was revolting to the extreme. The dead in the field where we worked were piked up by the hundreds all over the field. Some with their heads shot entirely off and some with their head partially off. The scenes begs description. They had lain there three or four days and so sultry had been the atmosphere that decomposition had been making rapid progress. All extremities(?sp) had swollen beyond point of possible recognition. Features had become one dark mass of putridity and corruption. Forms once active vigorous and manly were distended like bladders. Some of their heads even dropped off while our men were burying them to throw them into the pits dug for them..." Excerpt from May 25th, 1862 letter - "And I hope that those ungrateful sons who have risen up and are endeavoring to destroy the best government on which the sun ever shone will soon be compelled to lay down their arms and return to their allegiance.." Excerpt from Camp near Belle Plain, VA Feb. 4th, 1863 - (letter references back to his Regiment being encamped around Washington D.C.). Referencing the location near Fredricksburg,"Oh, such has of mud man or mule has never before waded through in some places our wagons stuck but deep, we had to fetch in and pry them up and double team out...I was much interested with you account of Fitch exploits and adventures in the late Indian war which has been raging upon the frontier of Minnesota..." Excerpt from Camp near Bell Plain, VA April 23rd, 1863 letter - "The bad weather which we have been having in this quarter for the last three months has prevented the army from doing anything. The weather is becoming more settled and it is quite probable that the army will move in a few days in the direction of Fredricksburg, the grand center of attention at present. Gen Hooker means I think to let the rebels on the other side of the Rappahannock know and feel that this army is not to be bamboseled by them any longer. The soldiers have unbounded confidence in the ability of Gen. Joe Hooker to command them and lead them on to victory.." Excerpt from Wilkes Barre Aug. 24th, 1863 letter - "I came out of the military service unscathed and unharmed by the missels of the enemy. The last battle in which our regt was at Chancellerville VA and left the Rasfasahanneck for Harrisburg..." Excerpt from Wilkes Barre Jany 28th 1865 letter - "In respecting nobly as you did to your country's call you acted the part of a hero as well as that of a true and loyal american." Most correspondence is written to fellow soldier, J.J. Dewey. Last remaining item - Philologian Society broadside commemorating the birth of Abraham Lincoln, Feb. 12th, 1866 (Republican Print, Red Wing).

Letters in overall very good condition