Maitland, Joseph M. (1839-1918) to his friend
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.076 Author/Creator: Maitland, Joseph M. (1839-1918) Place Written: Black River, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter Date: 27 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25.6 x 26.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to a friend from camp near Black River, Mississippi, reporting that they recently left their camp in Vicksburg because "old Joe Johnston was coming up in our rear." Mentions that Generals Ambrose Burnside and Stephen Hurlbut have come with reinforcements. Reports that Union forces are strong in the area, as he is flanked by Quinby's Division, Sherman's Corps, and part of McClernand's Corps. Writes that two days prior, in Vicksburg, "Rebels came out their Fortifications and attempted to break through our lines but were defeated... They were forced to go back in their fort with heavy slaughter. It is reported that Port Hudson has fallen into our possession but the report is not credited however I would not be surprised at any moment to hear of it and Vicksburg being surrendered. They cant possible hold out much longer, and when one falls the other will follow shortly. I think the Southern Confederacy is played out... " On the last page of the letter, written 28 June, Maitland comments about the fresh peaches and blackberries in Mississippi. Expresses his hopes that the "Rebellion will be crushed." Unsigned, but appears to be written by Joseph M. Maitland.
Joseph Maitland enlisted on 8 August 1862 as a private. He was mustered into "G" Co. OH 95th Infantry. He was mustered out 31 May 1865 at Memphis, Tennessee. After the longest siege in American history, Port Hudson surrendered to the Union 9 July 1863. During the siege, Confederates repulsed a Union advance 26 May 1863, killing approximately 6,000 Union soldiers, roughly 600 of whom were African Americans of the First and Third Louisiana Native Guards. (www.nps.gov).
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