Interesting manuscript letter written by Union soldier G. W. Ladd while on picket duty near Washington, D.C. The correspondence offers a vivid glimpse into camp life, describing the everyday atmosphere among soldiers, including music, conversation, and routine military activity. Notably, the letter references being written “by the light of a candle stuck in an old musket bayonet,” capturing the improvised conditions of soldier life. Additional passages describe interactions among men in camp, reflecting both the monotony and occasional levity of service away from the battlefield. The content provides a grounded, firsthand account of the soldier’s environment rather than combat, illustrating the lived experience of Union troops stationed near the capital. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available

Good. Letter shows fold wear, edge tears, and areas of staining consistent with age and handling. Some separations at fold lines and minor losses at edges are present, though the text remains largely legible throughout.