[According to the 1860 Census, Joseph Harper of Cherokee County was 70 years old and blind. His son, Calvin T. Harper, served as a private in Co. A, 5th NC Inf., and according to the 1860 Census was not able to read or write. The “Chatham County” at the head of the letter was a mistake by whomever wrote the letter. Since it seems unlikely that someone in Cherokee would make such a mistake. The letter possibly was written on behalf of Calvin T. Harper by someone unfamiliar with Cherokee County. ]