Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) to Damuth family
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.38 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 October 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 12.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
In two days, the soldier have marched twenty-five miles, "the greatest marching we have ever done." Towards the end of the day's march, Damuth and another soldier fall back from exhaustion and arrive at camp after the rest of the regiment. He describes the countryside of Louisiana as similar to the prairie in Illinois. Soldiers from Indiana are sharing beef they have stolen, despite order against foraging. Citizens in the area have been complaining "aganst the boys taken all thear geese and chickens," but the generals say they cannot stop the men from stealing. The next day, Damuth thinks they will walk twenty miles before they find a place with enough water to camp again.
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