Gorsuch, Joseph B. (1834-1908) to Joseph Curtis and his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.09.13 Author/Creator: Gorsuch, Joseph B. (1834-1908) Place Written: Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his aunt and uncle as his corps attacks Jackson, Mississippi. Writes that the Union army attacked General Joseph E. Johnston's force, which was entrenched at Jackson, the previous day. Reports that Johnston shot a prisoner. Also relates that as Johnston retreated before the Union army, he killed livestock and threw the carcasses into the water along the road, contaminating the Union's closest water supply. Referring to Johnston, writes "If he does not soon evacuate we will surround him and have him in the same fix we had Vicksburg." States that his health is fair, and that green corn and tea made of blackberry root constitute his diet. Signs as "Benson," a nickname Gorsuch frequently used in correspondence with his uncle.
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