Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) to Maria Damuth
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.55 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: Alexandria, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 April 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Describes being put on emergency picket outside town two days before. Damuth enjoys standing guard and complains only of the lack of blankets during the night. Tells of his fears during the night, wondering "which one of us had got to fall this time," and writes that his fear of death only grows stronger with each battle. Finds the "big scare" humorous because during the frantic change of camps "they piled every thing up together" and many soldiers lost their belongings. Writes about the surprise of discovering a silk handkerchief in the pocket of one of his shirts while doing his washing. Two freed slaves are working for the company as cooks.
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