Brunt, William (fl. 1863-1865) to Martha Weir
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07006.07 Author/Creator: Brunt, William (fl. 1863-1865) Place Written: Clarkesville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that his regiment has been stationed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the "Topographical Engineer department." Responds to news that some of his correspondence has been lost en route to Martha. Tells about a trip in March to return his wife and children to their home. Replies to news of Martha's loneliness at home "in the society of secesh sympathizers."
William Brunt was, at the start of the correspondence, a soldier in the 83rd Regiment, Ft. Donelson, Tennessee. He was later made Captain of Company Division 16th Colored Infantry. Brunt's wife, Olive, and his two children virtually accompanied him to war, living in the nearby camps while Brunt was on the battlefield. William and Olive had lived in Kentucky prior to the war, but were disliked for their strong support of Union politics. By 1864, Olive was helping to run a contraband camp with Brunt, but by 1865 the two had divorced after Olive was unfaithful to William. Brunt retained custody of their two children and, despite the emotional strain which came from marriage of one and the death of the other, remained devoted as a soldier and anti-slavery advocate.
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