Homefront letter to Captain Prentiss M. Fogler of the famed 20th Maine, in which the writer speculates Confederate forces may be poisoning bullets. South Hope [ME], 6 August 1864.

4pp., on bifolium, 5 x 8 in., creasing, significant staining to topmost crease that bleeds through all pages. With envelope addressed to "Capt Prentiss M. Fogler," with loss to upper right corner.

Written by a family member, familiar enough with the captain to address him "Dear Print," the letter begins by discussing matters on the home front, and turns to the war on the second page, with a pessimistic statement: "Grant's expectations have not been realized and many more lives have been sacrificed without gaining any ground..."

The letter informs of multiple men who have been wounded or killed, including:
"Capt Gushee was killed. He had not been with the regiment but a few weeks when he was at home I saw him pass with his wife and I thought what a happy woman she must be to have the privilege of dressing his wounds while so many are suffering for want of care."

Another of the casualties reported is Minot Tolman. The writer gives Tolman's prognosis and offers an interesting explanation as to the worsening condition of men who have been wounded: "Minot Tolman is not expected to live but a few days. It was thought when he came home he was slightly wounded but he grew worse and Dr. Walker thought he might safe [sic] his life by amputating his arm but he says that he cannot live. I think it seemes [sic] reasonable that the rebels poison their bullets. Their [sic] don't seeme to be much hope for anyone after they are wounded if it is so I hope they are not so cruil [sic] but I have no better opinion of them."

Minot Tolman of Company G, 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, is listed as being wounded on 18 June 1864 at Petersburg, VA in the right arm, which was amputated. According to his records, he survived and lived long after the war, until 1897.

Prentiss M. Fogler enlisted as a second lieutenant on 29 August 1862, and was commissioned into Company I of the 20th Maine that same day. He was promoted to first lieutenant and captain the following year, and was discharged on 9 June 1865.

The 20th Maine Infantry was most famous for its defense of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg and for the heroism of is commander Col. Joshua Chamberlain. Over the course of the war, the 20th was engaged at Shepherdstown, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Overland Campaign, and Petersburg, among others.