Mortimer, Caleb C.E. (1835-1862) to his wife
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01898.01 Author/Creator: Mortimer, Caleb C.E. (1835-1862) Place Written: Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa May 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Describes the capture of a steam gun. "... we disembarked and took possession of the renowned Steam gun and four mules which was on its way to harpers ferry to the sesesion [sic] army there ... it is quite a curious machine and if it does what its inventor claims for it tis a murderous weapon throwing three hundred balls pr minute and if such is the case it is better in our hands than that of an enemy." Mentions acting as an orderly for General Benjamin Franklin Butler and delivering dispatches around the city of Baltimore. Had dinner at the Gilmour [Gilmore] House with the General. Written from Relay House, nine miles from Baltimore along the B&O Railroad.
Caleb Mortimer enlisted on 5 September 1861 as a 1st Lieutenant and was commissioned into the Massachusetts 3rd Light Artillery. He was wounded at Gaines' Mill, Virginia on 27 June 1862 and died the next day.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.