150 years ago on August 8, 1861, Daniel Boyd wrote his family from Vienna, Virginia. Measles was rampant in the camp. His brother Pressley Boyd and their best friend James Alewine were sick along with most of their messmates. Daniel had not had the measles yet, but he was anticipating his turn being sick as well. He reported that the Union army had retreated across the Potomac River and talks about price of various goods and foods in the area. Daniel reports that they are about 7 miles from the enemy and that most of the residents of the area have left.

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