A transcription of the letter is below.
Transcription by Nadia Shahab Diaz, class of 2017
Andover. Oct. 27 1862
Mr. Warren,
Dear friend, I
received your letter with $1524
enclosed on the 15th.
I am glad to hear that
you are well.
What changeable weather we
are having, one day cold enough
for an overcoat and the next
almost warm enough for
summer clothing.
School has only four more
weeks to keep, there has about
18 of all the boys that were
here when are now in the
army, two that were here last
term as well and strong as
any of us are dead, one of
them graduated last term
and was one of the leading [[end page]]
[[start page]] christians in school and
also took on high honor in
his class he went out as first
lieutenant in a Connecticut
Regiment and was in the Antietam
the Captain being killed he
had command of the Company.
They said he behave with great
courage throughout the Battle about
a week ago he had the diphtheria
and lived but a short time his
name was S. H. Thompson.
The other was in my class
in Arithmetic and a very nice
young man. I met him
in Boston when I was with
you on Washington, he was on
his way to camp then, he
belong here, and was brought
home, he was buried yesterday.
Another young man name
J. G. Smith that was here
last term was been wounded [[end page]]
[[start page]] in the Arm but how severely
I have not heard.
The war still goes on and the
bravest and most talented young
men are killed, how many
there are that now sleep wrapt
in glory nevermore too wake
until the last trumpet shall
sound. That would but for this
war have written high on the
scroll of fame and how many
more will need the Country
will need before the cruel war
is at an end, no one knows
but I hope not many.
Please give my regards too Mrs Warren.
I hope you will excuse my
mistakes because it is rather
late.
Yours truly,
E. Houghton