Morey, Charles C. (ca. 1830-1865) to mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.18.36 Author/Creator: Morey, Charles C. (ca. 1830-1865) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written from Camp in front of Petersburg, Virginia, "near Fort Hell." Rejoined the Army of the Potomac. Discusses travels from Camp Russell, including twenty-five hours of "severe" suffering, many of which were spent traveling through the snow in open cars: "many men froze their feet others were badly chilled." Describes General Ulysses S. Grant's warning to the rebels not to "shell" the railcars or he will begin shelling Petersburg. Mentions the location of Union and Confederate forces and their proximity to each other, saying that they are located within speaking distance of each other.
Charles C. Morey enlisted as a Corporal on 22 April 1861 (mustered into E Company on 20 June 1861), and was promoted to Full Sergeant on 10 February 1862. The following December he was promoted to Full Sergeant 1st Class and on 31 January 1864 reenlisted in the Union Army. He was promoted twice during 1864, first to Full Lieutenant 1st Class (20 June) and then to Full Captain (24 June 24-effective 31 January 1865). He was wounded in battle at Charles Town, West Virginia (21 August 1864), and killed at Petersburg, Virginia on 2 April 1865.
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