Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) to Isora Sayles
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.12 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 13.9 x 17.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from camp Fort Hill, two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Discusses charging on the enemy last Tuesday. Describes having to charge over a large hill and fallen timber and brush where they then laid low and fired on the enemy. Reports that seven of their men were killed and 52 wounded. Writes that a man a named Robert Meade from his company was killed on the field and that Meade's brother who was right beside him was wounded and had to be carried off the field.
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. The siege of Vicksburg began on 18 May 1863 and ended on 4 July 1863. This was the first assault in the siege and took place on 19 May 1863.
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