Excerpt of letter from I.J. Perry to his brother from a camp in Fredericksburg. The comments on recruiting efforts are interesting, showing how slow enlistments were in some areas at the start of the war.

Fredericksburg VA Oct. 14th 1861

Dear Brother,

I received your letter of Sept. 27th yesterday and take the present opportunity to write you this, I am well at present and hope this letter may find you enjoying the same good blessing we have moved to Fredericksburg. We have been herre some five weeks and I dont exactly know when we will leave. Capt. Forrest has about forty men, and is still recruiting men come very slow. Capt. Forrest started for Richmond this morning on business. He is thinking about going on a privateer I believe that is if he dont get his Co. up but before we organize I will let you know.

Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center