Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) to Isora Sayles
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.03 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Rockford, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 24.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister. Describes how they were supposed to go to Cincinnati, Ohio but just as they loaded the train car they received orders to stay put because their destination had changed. Discusses how the men behaved the night before they were supposed to leave for Cincinnati, Ohio. Describes them as building a great bonfire out of old barrels and pieces of boards and giving speeches. Writes, "you would not have known them when they had to come back by their actions for they was as sober as Deacons when they came back." Notes that several of the boys said that they would prefer being shot than returning to camp. Comments that they live in barracks not tents and that all the men are well accept for four or five of them.
Sumner Sayles enlisted as a private on 9 August 1862. He mustered into "H" Co. IL 95th Infantry. He mustered out on 17 August 1865.
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