Holly, William H. (d. 1864) to Mary Ann Davis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02165.01 Author/Creator: Holly, William H. (d. 1864) Place Written: West Hartford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 January 1862 Pagination: 8 p. ; 19.7 x 24.4 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done with the Black race,") and often of God and Church. Mentions having his photo taken, and the "Boys" needing the mittens that Mary's Sewing Society has made. Finally, he acknowledges Mary's invitation to spend next New Year's with her, adding, however, that "soldiers can not tell whether or what they will do much before hand." Written on military stationary with an image of the Constitution.
William H. Holly was mustered into the "E" Co. CT 12th Infantry on 11/19/1861. He died a prisoner of war on 12/11/1864 at Salisbury, NC. N.B. Holly spells his name "Holley."
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