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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC08914.009 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Peter E. Rifenburgh and Louis Brooks |
| Title | Peter E. Rifenburgh to his sister discussing sickness on the ship and the suicide of a fellow soldier who jumped overboard |
| Date | 24 November 1862 |
| Author | Rifenburgh, Peter E. (1843-1863) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Received her letter today. Cold is getting better; will be fine in a few days. Many on board the ship are still sick. A man in his company took sick, "got crazy," jumped overboard, and drowned last night. Gun boats have gone ahead, and "we expect to leave in a few days." Thinks they are going to either Charleston or Texas. Is currently sitting on top of the wheel house. Sees the large fort and "five or six" steam ships. After the rebels are done fighting with him, they "will [be] so whipped that they will come up to us and shake hands." Sent $10 of his pay with the letter. She should put some of that money towards a tombstone for their mother. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Soldier's Letter Union Soldier's Letter Union Forces Health and Medical Confederate States of America Soldier's Pay Mental Health Texas Steamboat Transportation Fortification Children and Family Death |
| People | Rifenburgh, Peter E. (1843-1863) |
| Place written | Fort Monroe, Hampton, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Health & Medicine |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Sister |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 128th New York Infantry, K Company |