Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) to Maria Damuth
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.09 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: St. Charles, Arkansas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 January 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 12.5 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Damuth's company is moving to Helena, Arkansas aboard a Union steamer called the Moderator. The 29th Wisconsin meets up with the 28th, and Damuth sends news of friends. Sitting on deck, he sees over thirty steam boats and two ironclads sailing for war. In St. Charles, the men find the remains of trenches and Damuth reflects that he and all the rest of his regiment probably would have been killed if the Rebels had not deserted the camp. Near Devil's Bluff, Arkansas, there is a brief fight with some fleeing Rebels, who have dragged their cannons to the railroad tracks in an escape attempt. Later that evening, "30 hard looking Specimens of the Southern army" are captured. Damuth and his fellow soldiers contemplate why the war has not yet ended, and Damuth suggests that "the head ones dont want to end it as long as they can get good pay and speculate in cotton."
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