Gorsuch, Joseph B. (1834-1908) to Joseph Curtis and his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.09.14 Author/Creator: Gorsuch, Joseph B. (1834-1908) Place Written: Vermillon Bayou, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 October 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his aunt and uncle in Hamilton, Ohio. States that his corps will soon embark on the Texas Expedition. Discusses details regarding recruitment of Union soldiers in the South. Administered the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in French to many Louisiana French-speakers. Due to his own ability to speak French, Gorsuch has become popular among the Louisiana soldiers. Discusses the possibility of raising a brigade in Louisiana, and the likelihood that this would advance him in the military and politics much faster than has his leadership of Ohio soldiers. Admits that his ambition is not political. Records the results of an election held for Ohio Governor among troops in Louisiana. Records that John Brough beat Clement Vallandigham by a landslide in most regiments' polls. Possibly referring to Vallandigham's poor results in the 96th Regiment's poll results, writes "Butternuts won't brag on those figures much I guess."
Brough served as Ohio's Governor from 1864 until his death in 1865. "Butternuts" was another name for Copperheads.
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