Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.05 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Alton, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.3 x 24.2 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Pope. Discusses his loneliness for the female sex, "You know it is not nature to be thus alone." Mentions shaving his whiskers close to his face and getting a severe cold. Comments on the constant rain, damp clothing, and difficult marches. Describes the tent structure of the camp, "... all arranged in beautiful order like streets in a city..." Remarks that two men had been shot, one very seriously. Describes the severely injured man's prayer, "... O Lord let me live this time." Reports the Lord must have heard the man's prayer because he lived. Says the line of encampment is two miles long and there are more than 250,000 men in the field. Letter has a Union emblem on it.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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