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Field name | Value |
---|---|
Collection Reference Number | GLC01450.165.01 |
From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1777 |
Title | Ebenezer Elmer to Hannah Seeley about army life, battle and serving his country |
Date | 20 June 1777 |
Author | Elmer, Ebenezer (1752-1843) |
Recipient | Seeley, Hannah |
Document Type | Correspondence |
Content Description | Discusses army life. Says he enjoys writing to her in his spare time. Tells her that "The movements of a rambling army...exposed to the dangers of leaded weapons...slaughter & bloodshed affor nothing but maloncholy scenes...too shocking for matter o communication to ladies." If she really desires details she should ask Mr. Machey. Army life is hard and the only reason "that soldiers themselves are anyways pleased with the life" is "owing to the animating drum and fife." He himself "can see or feel but little solid satisfaction in this way of life but that of serving my country." Has heard rumors that they are engaged to be married to each other. Says he would marry her if he could return home, and if she loved him as much as he loves her. But must dispel these ideas for the time being. Written at "Camp Middlebrook," a town now called Bound Brook. Signed "Eben Elmer" |
Subjects | Soldier's Letter Love Letters Revolutionary War Military History Women's History Military Camp Marriage |
People | Elmer, Ebenezer (1752-1843) Seeley, Hannah (1757-1832) |
Place written | Middlebrook, New Jersey |
Theme | The American Revolution; Women in American History |
Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
Additional Information | Ebenezer Elmer served as a surgeon during the revolution, and later a New Jersey Congressman. |
Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
Related documents | Ebenezer Elmer to Hannah Seeley about wanting to return to a peaceful life and the end of the war |
Transcript | Show/hide |