Gorsuch, Joseph B. (1834-1908) to Joseph Curtis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.09.04 Author/Creator: Gorsuch, Joseph B. (1834-1908) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 February 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32.4 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, transmits announcements (not included) of deaths of soldiers in his company. Informs Curtis, his uncle, of the deaths of Enos Scudder, and fears that Daniel Collins might die soon. Writes "Nearly every one of the wounded are so disabled that they will never be fit for service. Taken all together it was a severe stroke on my company." States that he was surprised to see a previous letter he wrote published in the Telegraph, a newspaper (possibly the Hamilton Telegraph). Instructs his uncle to submit this letter to the editor of the Telegraph, but not to let the editor publish it in its entirety. Relates that he is in good health, even though he and his regiment are camped in a swamp. Possibly written in Louisiana, near Vicksburg. Relates that Joe Harris is acting as clerk for him. Signed as "Benson," a nickname Gorsuch frequently used in correspondence with his uncle.
According to the book A History and Biographical Cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, William & Egry owned and published the Hamilton Telegraph from 1861 through 1882. The Telegraph supported the Union during the Civil War, while the Hamilton True Telegraph reflected Confederate views.
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