Letters, 1861-1863

This collection contains photocopies of typed transcripts of the Civil War letters of Private Henry Helms of Company I, 95th Pennsylvania Infantry. Writing from various camps, Helms addresses most of his letters to brother James Helms, at home in Philadelphia. Other letters are addressed to his mother, Ann. Helms' early letters focus mostly on personal matters, including his need for various items of clothing and food. He complains of the camp sutlers, compliments his officers, writes of weather and health conditions (including vaccination for smallpox), mentions mutual acquaintances, describes the execution of a deserter, and notes the ruinous conditions of some northern Virginia mansions. On November 26, 1861, he mentions seeing President Lincoln and describes Lincoln's horsemanship. From November 1861 to March 1862, Helms writes from Camp Franklin, near Alexandria, Virginia. Beginning in April, Helms' letters are written from the State of Maine and from various camps on the Virginia Peninsula. He describes skirmishes, the aftermath of battle, and Confederate prisoners-of-war; and notes camp activities and rumors. His letter of May 8 describes a combat engagement at West Point.

The correspondence also contains two letters from John Harper, commanding officer of Company I, describing Helms' battlefield wound and certifying his death. Also included are letters from C. P. Goodwin and David F. Foley, also of Company I, providing their knowledge of Helms' fate.