Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.24 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.2 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a camp in Vicksburg. Thanks her for copies of the newspaper "Independent." Reports they are not campaigning now and have much free time. Comments letters from the North are scarce and wonders if his friends have all turned copperheads or simply forgotten him. Speculates many of his lady friends have gotten married because they did not want to wait for the soldiers' return. Inquires if she is going to school and playing the piano. Writes about the beautiful weather and lovely flowers. States that a large steamer blew up at the dock loaded with ammunition for New Orleans. Informs forty soldiers and several lady passengers were killed. Says they are on provost duty in the city.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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