Virginia Memory, Library of Virginia
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THIS DAY IN VIRGINIA HISTORY

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July 24, 1864

Elisha O. Drake. Letters, 15 June–21 August 1864, Accession 39170, Personal Papers Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. Elisha O. Drake. Letters, 15 June–21 August 1864, Accession 39170, Personal Papers Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Elisha O. Drake Wrote to His Wife

Elisha O. Drake (1821–1901) served in Company C of the 20th Maine infantry during the Civil War. While stationed in Virginia, near Petersburg, he wrote this letter to his wife, Zibeah Cary Drake (b. 1812), back in Maine. Writing on stationary embossed with the images of President Lincoln and his cabinet, Drake complained that the special packages sent to the troops are often taken by the officers and advised his wife that instead of mailing parcels send items directly to the soldier for whom they are meant.