Alva Stone, a private later promoted to sergeant in company E of the 8^th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, wrote detailed letters home to his wife and daughter.  They not only reflect his patriotism, religion, and sense of duty, but they also provide a great deal of insight to the town of Litchfield during that era.  In one letter he drew a map for his daughter, Gertrude, showing her the exact layout of his camp in terms the young girl could understand- he explained it all in relation to various homes and businesses in Litchfield. In a later letter, Stone drew a sketch of his tent showing where each of the men slept including Seth Plumb, another soldier from Litchfield whose correspondence is preserved in our collections. Stone’s letters document the minute details of camp life. He writes often of dining on hard bread and "salt horse," and reports on the happy occasions when the soldiers have received gifts from home: The little things we receive from home are the best part of soldiering- they touch the right spot- you know the stomach is near the heart and if you fill the first the last is sure to be filled. Alva Stone to Lucy Stone Stone does not overlook events of national significance such as the battles of Roanoke Island, NC, Newbern, NC and the siege of Fort Macon, for which he gives several pages of description. In the early days of his service he notes with interest the printmakers working at the camps where he is stationed such as the one shown here. He later develops strong feelings about the harm they cause the Union. One thing though is sure to be circulated- the United States make up their mind to get up a few iron clad Steamers or some other article to carry on the war in a more effective manner- before the thing is half conceived- the rebels thro Frank Leslie and other periodicals are informed of the whole minutia- and profit according- Why don’t our Gov put the screws in these things? Is not this giving “aid & comfort”? Why not send the drawings direct to C.S.A.? – Alva Stone to Lucy Stone While his regiment went on to Antietam, Stone was honorably discharged on Feb. 26^th 1863 at Annapolis Maryland by reason of chronic diarrhea and general debility. He worked as a carpenter and carriage maker in his civilian life. He donated his letters to the Litchfield Historical Society prior to his death on April 24, 1899. Creation of this finding aid is currently in progress. Contact the archivist with any questions.