Letter from young man to mother letting her know that he is planning to enlist

Item Details

Very good

Letter dated 1862 from young man to mother letting her know how things are going at school and then after a pause, he informs her that he feels it is his duty to enlist.  Text follows:

"Kents Hill August 2^nd 1862

Dear Mother,

I received your letter containing three dollars and have intended to write you before but have been very busy. I am well and prospering. Mr Robbinson and wife have got home. It has cost me about $1.25 a week for board and rent. I have bought a pair of shoes and a pair of slippers which will bee $3.00 and have to get some mending done. I whant some money immead immediately about $12.00 it will take about that to make all right. I have engaged a room for next term the rent will be $5.00 I shall try and board myself. The school commences week after next.

Dear Mother I have been thinking lately that as things are now situated I had better enlist, that it was my duty.   I may know you would not like to have me go but if it was nessary (?) would not object. There never Whas a time when then needed men more than they doo now. Others are making great sacrifices and I doo not what to be backward. I Which you would give me your advice in your next letter. I hope to here from you soon as I cannot let my bills run any longer and am somewhat undecided what course to take fore the future burn this as soon as read

Your Sone

G.J. Sheillings

P.S. Please to send me those flannels for my chest, my over coat and a little white Afen (?) the cook will tele you how to make it."