Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.17 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Jackson,Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 September 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Jackson, Tennessee. Says things look gloomy for the Union, especially in the East. Reports on the victorious battle of Britton's Lane led by Union Colonel Elias S. Dennis. Informs the intense heat caused soldiers to fall exhausted before the battle began. Comments their guns were so warm from excessive use they could barely manage them. States they buried their dead at night. Says upon their return to Jackson, Union Generals John A. Logan and Leonard F. Ross praised their victory as "...the greatest achievement in the history of the world." Compliments her for not rushing into marriage unlike other girls who "...are willing to marry the first man that comes along for fear they will never get a chance." Letter has an emblem.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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