Detterline, Hiram (fl. 1862) to John Reeser
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.43.05 Author/Creator: Detterline, Hiram (fl. 1862) Place Written: Saint Helena Island, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 December 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Reeser wishing him well. States they will be heading to Richmond, Virginia. Comments on the boys being in good health and ready to fight the Confederates. Mentions hearing General Ambrose E. Burnside being defeated along the Potomac. Remarks on being in the Union army for sixteen months and being sick half of the time and wanting to take his ranks in the 97th regiment. Describes spending Christmas target shooting, having a foot race, wheelbarrow match, jig dancing, and tying "nigros" hands behind their back and having them search for a coin with their mouth out of a cornmeal-filled tub. There is a Hiram Detterline listed in the Pennsylvania 97th infantry; possibly the same man.
John Reeser enlisted as a Private on 16 July 1864. He was mustered into "B" Co. PA 197th Infantry. He was promoted to Corporal on 18 August 1864. He was mustered out on 11 November 1864 at Philadelphia, PA. Jones was part of Company B, 11th Cavalry.
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