Edwards, Oliver (1835-1904) to Eunice Lombard Edwards
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02163.02 Author/Creator: Edwards, Oliver (1835-1904) Place Written: Pittsfield, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 August 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.9 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Major Edwards, commanding the 37th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, informs his mother that he has assumed the command of Camp Briggs, in Pittsfield. Remarks, "I have a splendid set of men- better never were seen- but all green... The most prominent citizens of Pittsfield have petitioned to have me deposed from command and that too only to petition that I may be the Colonel or the Lieut Col there..." Desires to pay under $175 for a horse. Instructs her to tell Jack to bring his dress suit, four or five bottles of old bourbon or brandy, his [briar?]wood pipes, and some pears. Notes that General Henry Shaw Briggs was recently at camp. Mentions his acquaintances, noting that Colonel Lee plans to ask the Governor to appoint him to a higher rank.
For biographical information pertaining to Oliver Edwards, refer to GLC02163. John A. Andrew was Governor of Massachusetts 1861-1866. The 37th Regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac September 1862- July 1864.
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