On July 17, 1862, Stephen wrote his mother after receiving a letter from her indicating she was anxiously waiting to hear from him. In his letter, he reports that he is doing well — he feels great, the rations are good, there is an abundance of black berrys he can pick in the fields around town, and the bread and coffee is better than they had at Camp Chase. He also writes about the local secessionists and the desire of the 86th OVI to go to Kentucky to chase the Confederate “outlaw” Morgan. The letter ends with a concern about his mother’s health and the need to run the farm by herself. (Transcript of Stephen Letter, July 17, 1862)
