Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.12 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Fort Henry, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 February 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.4 x 23.9 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Fort Henry, Tennessee. Mentions Union General Halbert E. Paine leaving with the sick soldiers and supplies. Reports on his trip to Cairo, Illinois by steamer on the Ohio River. Says the boat was so crowded they had to stand for two days and two nights during constant rain with no shelter. Informs they moved onto Paducah, Kentucky where a large addition was made to their fleet. States Union General Ulysses S. Grant issued orders for the entire fleet to advance. Writes about killing a group of rebel spies with a well-directed shell. Letter is faded in sections and brown on the creases.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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