Soldier (1831-1875) who graduated from West Point in 1851 and served on the frontier before becoming a Union officer in the Civil War. Civil War-dated ALS signed “G. Chapin,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, April 5, 1863. Handwritten letter to a friend, written while on recruiting duty in Washington, DC. In part: "I hear from the Army every few days, and the state of affairs is encouraging indeed; and as soon as the companies in the field get well filled up, the Army of the Potomac will be a hard road to travel over. Hooker takes well; he has fed the men well, and kept up a good state of discipline, and when the word 'forward' is given the hills of the Rappahannock will tremble in their boots. There is one thing however which the Army can't see, and that is why people within our lines are allowed to hold property, who…won't take the oath of allegiance, and who gloat over every disaster, or accident which befalls our arms. I would like to see the oath of allegiance branded on all such persons, who protect their homes by a living lie, and who have not the manhood to go South to fight for the cause which they love, because their pockets would flap against their empty stomachs. No they prefer to see the Stars and Stripes float over their homes and lands, while at heart they despise the noble banner, and if their pockets and courage were not in the way they would glory in the rebel rag. A fig for such poltroons! They should be expatriated lest their offspring should contaminate us—let men be men: if they love the South let them give up their homes and fight for the South; if they love the Union, let them sacrifice all as I have done, and take field for their Country, or they place themselves in the unpleasant neutral position of coward—I mean all Copperheads. My name is now on the President's table for Brig. Gen. for Bravery in the field in New Mexico." In fine condition.
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