1860 North Carolina Military Academy Ltr: Benjamin McLauchlin Sgt 26th NC d-1862

Description

1860 Letter [No Cover] from Benjamin McLauchlin (1844-1862) to his brother [he had three]. It is datelined "Hillsboro M.A. [Military Academy] Oct the 4th 1860" Benjamin McLauchlin joined the Confederate Army in Anson County, NC as 1st Sergeant 26th North Carolina Company K. He died of typhoid fever April 14, 1862 at Kinston, North Carolina. Apparently he is a student at the newly organized [1859] Hillsborough or North Carolina Military Academy which continued to exist in fits and starts until the mid 1870s. " I can hardly say how I like this school yet" . Too much noise from other boys and desires "something better to eat and a longer time to dispense with it". He likes the Algebra class and the instructor is trying to drive ideas "into our 'num skulls'" Four boys have left and thinks more will "have to leave soon from the way they are going on". Had a great "Military Display" individuals from "Greensboro, Flat River and Hillsboro, the Orange Guard". Their was a "great ball in town". "The cadets were not invited". Algebra, rowdiness, military displays but reality is just around the corner. Sent folded.