Bogart, Abram (fl. 1825-1865) to Mary M. Bogart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.11.11 Author/Creator: Bogart, Abram (fl. 1825-1865) Place Written: South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his wife telling her he wished she wrote more often as he is lonely and in a "godforsaken plase for we are hemed in here on an island where we can see nor hear nothing but death and distruction on every side..." He reports to her that their numbers have been greatly reduced in rank. Tells her that lately he has been detailed to tending for the sick even though he is quite lame himself. He is hopeful, however, that "it wont last long but it will fetch me home this winter unless I go into the calvery..." Shares with her that every march he goes on makes him lame and then by the time he is feeling better, he must go on another march. Appears extremely disillusioned with the war: "it is all hog work here because every man is for himself here and humanity is all lost in hard marching and short rations and ill treatment will callous any mans heart in one year so they can look on death as a friend..." Also confides in her that he thinks that "this caring on a war under masonic order is the greatest curse that ever befell a nation in this world or enny other for there is none that can hold an office unless he belongs to some secret order..." Goes on to imply that if a "good man" is in office, then he will be removed against his will.
Abram Bogart enlisted on 15 August 1862 at Sidney, New York as a Private. He was mustered into "I" Co. NY 144th Infantry. He was transferred from "I" Co. into "K" Co. on 16 October 1862. He was mustered out on 25 June 1865 at Hilton Head, South Carolina.
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