For your consideration is this Civil war letter written by John W. Morse at Camp Butler, Newport News, Virginia on September 23rd, 1861. In 1855, 12-year-old John W. Morse was recorded in the household of bootmaker George W. May (1814-18xx) and his wife Hanna in Stoughton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It appears that he was apprenticed to George May and learned the bootmaking craft. According to the census, John W. Morse was born in Pembroke, Massachusetts. Pvt. John W. Morse (1843-18xx) of Co. A, 29th Massachusetts Infantry enrolled in the 1st Battalion Massachusetts Infantry as a bootmaker on April 18, 1861, at the age of 18. In December 1861, the original seven companies in Newport News, Virginia, merged with three new companies ("F," "G," and "H"). They served with the Department of Virginia at Newport News until May 1862. The letter details that they've had no fight yet, but expect one almost every night. He says the enemy is within two miles of their camp and they can see their fires every night. He details that he sent money he had received, tells of an enemy steamer in the bay and explains the daily duties of the officers. At the end of the letter he draws a small picture of a Union Man and a Rebel soldier. The drawing shows the Union Man saying "Are You a Unionman?" while the Rebel replies, " You don't stick me with that". The letter shows good condition overall with slight wear present from its age and use over the years, but no major signs of damage is noted. The letter measures 8" L x 5 1/8" W and weighs under 6 ounces.