Letter from D. Irvin, October 7, 1864

[This article is from the Southern Historical Collection of the University of North Carolina Library, Chapel Hill.]

Prison Camp
Elmira, N.Y.
Oct. 7/64

Dear Sister --
Yours of the 27th was received in due time and found me quite well. I have succeeded in getting a permit and enclose the same to you. Do not have me any food or costly clothes made, but something heavy and comfortable, suitable for this climate. Please send a heavy double blanket (cloured), 3 pairs yarn socks, 2 pocket handkerchiefs (colored), needle cast, darning needle and some yarn. Also, small male smoking tobacco. "Killekemick: if you can, a pipe, and box. Blackening and some stationary. I expect this will be the only opportunity you (words gone) of sending anything this winter. I hope you have succeeded in getting Sid released. Let me know about it. Write and let me know when you will send the things. Send the as soon as possible. Give my love to all. Below I give you my measure, taken by a tailor. Any tailor will understand it.

Your brother,
D. Irvin
Ward 52

(Wooden Pipe) Comb and toilet soap
Pants: 42 - 31 1/2 - 30 - 37 - 25 - 21 - 18
Vest: 24 1/2 - 36 - 30
Coat: 17 1/2 - 37 - 7 - 21 - 32 1/2 - 36 - 30
Grey or mixed color