Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.23 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.9 x 24.5 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Vicksburg. Discusses in detail the fall of Vicksburg and the long siege. Claims "...70,000 men had received the death blow and fell into the hands of the invincible troops of U. S. Grant..." Reports the stars and stripes now fly from the spire of the court house. Says he hopes the war will be over and he will be home by the next Fourth of July. Reports many citizens and soldiers are sick. Mentions an abundance of peaches, figs and melons.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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