Letters from War: 1861 | “A curiosity to see” – The 6th Pennsylvania wades across the Potomac River into Virginia

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In a letter to the "Miners' Journal," Private James K. Helms of the 6th Pennsylvania describes the scenes as the US Army crossed the Potomac River at Williamsport, MD in June 1861. The young soldier's account vividly describes their first march toward the enemy in Virginia. Read the full letter.

Letters from War: 1861 | The 8th Pennsylvania leaves Camp Slifer and marches toward Maryland

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Charles Cyphers and the 8th Pennsylvania have left Camp Slifer behind. Soldiers are everywhere he looks, Harpers Ferry looms on the horizon, and Cyphers tells his editor to expect news of a battle soon — provided no secessionist puts a bullet through him first. Read the full letter.