Franklin County: Josiah Bloss to His Sister, April
16, 1865
Summary:
Bloss praises Sheridan and observes that the Confederate Army is in shambles. He
also comments on the recent assasination of Lincoln and the probable delay in
ending the war.
Sister
April 16th. /65
Pleasant Valley Maryland
Dear Sister,
It has been quite a long space of time since I wrote before, = but I have been waiting to get some mail, = on which reason I did not write sooner, =, We are expecting to hear of the war closing every Day, = but now the sad Catastrophy occurred the, assasination of our president, and Secretary Seward & son, = which will by all probability, Detain the quick restoration of our union, and peace, =
The Southern Confederacy is Entirely annihilated, = they are whipped in all their important strongholds, = Their best Generals captured, = (what are they going to do, =) they will have to come into the union, or else be treated, as outlaws,
Over one half of Lee's army is scattered, all over the Country, there is more rebel soldiers running, around here than there are of our own soldiers, they are friendly, and [deleted: ] with our soldiers, - these are the soldiers that were captured by Sheridan & Grant, and were paroled to return to their homes, = and not take up, arms against the united states, =
We all Expect to get home before our time of Enlistment is Expired, =,
What do the people Think of our brave Sheridan in providence
I have made two picture frames which I am going to send home by Express, I will let you know when I send them, =
I am well, and in good health hoping that this will find you all in good health,
Your Brother
Josiah Bloss
You need not answer this as we do not know what moment we leave here,
