Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) to Maria Damuth
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.42 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: Vermillionville, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister about doing guard duty on a plantation near camp. The soldiers discover slaves still living on the plantation. Damuth purchases food from the slaves and enters their homes, describing a scene of "old men & women and any amount of children thear was eight great fat wenches in the house." The slaves observe the soldiers on picket, but do not seem interested in attacking the men. Writes that he is currently in the largest group of men since the battle of Champion Hills. General Banks is moving a large force from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico, and Damuth anticipates meeting up with them. The regiment has received a new flag with "all the Battles we have been Grand Gulph, Port Gibsen, Champeon Hills Siege of Vicksburgh & Jackson."
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