Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) to Maria Damuth
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.54 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: Grand Ecore, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 April 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.5 x 24.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes his sister to describe the battles of the previous few days in more detail, with particular attention to the amount of marching his company engaged in and the specific places where friends died. Writes about the moment of realizing "our Co was all thear was that was not killed or wounded." Damuth's company carries the regiment's colors, which they hoist up before the Confederate soldiers "were on us in overwhelming numbers." He describes retreating from the fight: "I thought my time would come next I could see the Rebs and hear them say Stop you yankee Sons of Bitches Surrender you dogs." On the morning of April 11, new recruits arrive at Pleasant Hill, only a day after Damuth's return from battle. The regiment's captain is wounded badly and Damuth worries he will die. Complains "most everyone thinks that Banks has shown very poor Generalship in this fight."
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