Unknown from Hebron [likely Sybil Adeline Porter], 1863

This letter was written by a Hebron, Connecticut, woman to her sister in June 1863. A "Henry" had evidently taken prisoner, possibly at Port Hudson based on the date. News about Henry had been obtained by a George Lord and another man named "Hyde." Based on these details, the author is most likely referring to a Henry from Company C, 24th Connecticut Infantry, a 9-month regiment that was active in Louisiana during this time. She writes that Henry’s last letter was from Bayou Boeuf, and that “since then the Rebels have driven them to New Orleans over 80 miles.” Much of the letter includes ordinary details about going-on around town—Charles "traded off" a horse—a "Daguerrean Saloon" had opened "on the Common"—a doctor had come home from Virginia. An unfortunate bit of news was that "Mr. Finly’s youngest son was dead. Died near N. Orleans." This could be Private Daniel B. Finley of the 13th Connecticut, who had died on May 23. An interesting postscript mentions how a pair of enlisting officers "had their barns burnt when they were out enrolling" in East Hartford.

The letter was written on four pages of a 4 1/2” x 7 1/4” bifolium sheet. Very good condition as shown. Creased at the original mailing folds.