This Civil War letter was written by Lt. George Washington Siple and sent to Henry W. McNeel in Lipton, Cedar County, Iowa. Mr. McNeel was of Pocahontas Co. and possibly related to Lt. Siple through marriage. Siple was born on April 16, 1829 to Joel and Magdalene Hiner Siple and died on February 23, 1908. He and his wife, Hannah Rebecca Warwick Siple, are buried in the Warwick Cemetery at Green Bank, West Virginia.
Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware, Division 31
March the 20th 1865
Mr. Henry W. McNeel,
Dear Sir
I seat myself at this time to inform you that I am still a Prisoner of War at this place. I have been sadly disappointed in not getting off on Exchange. I do not expect to get off for a month yet. So I conclude to ask you to send me more funds if you can consistently do so please send me $20.00 twenty dollars more. If you think it safer you can send by Express however I do not apprehend any danger sending by mail. I am willing to take all risks. Please answer immediately as I may be able to get off sooner than I expect. I feel myself very much comforted by your kindness, and with the present requisition I will be able to make myself comfortable. Capt. J. H. is well. I heard from Will two weeks ago. He was well and in Richmond. I long to see the Mts of Highland and Poca, once more the land of Birth from which I have been separated from for near two years. Direct as before to Lt. Geo. W. Siple Co. F, 19th Va Cavalry – Ft. Delaware Del. Division 31, very respectfully yours Geo. W. Siple (Cal Price Papers, Courtesy of Jane Price Sharp; ID: PHD000011)
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