Unknown to Friend Bemis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02750.034 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: 8 May 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 17.8 x 11.3 cm. Order a Copy
Relates events that took place during April 1865 in Fort Hell, Virginia (also known as Fort Sedgwick). Refers to the Seventh Regiment (possibly of the Rhode Island Volunteers). States that his Company was traveling to Farmville, Virginia when they "received official information of the surrender of General Lee."
Jenks served as Captain of Company "I," seventh regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers between 1862 and 1865. During the Civil War, Jenks' Regiment spent time in Rhode Island, Kentucky, and Virginia, participating in battles at Fredericksburg and Fort Sedgwick. Following the Civil War, Jenks returned to Rhode Island, becoming President of the Seventh Rhode Island Veterans Association and later serving as a deputy tax collector. Jenks was married to Sanondess Jenks (1835-1923) during and after the War. This collection contains various letters, military documents, deeds, and other items related to Jenks' life during and after the War. See location notes field for information on various locations.
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