Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.49.10 Author/Creator: Phelps, Diton (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: Jamestown, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 July 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.1 x 24.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that they have been heading up the James River since last Saturday. Reports that the rebels broke through General George McClellan's right and came upon them. They did not have enough force to defend that point and were ordered to leave. They torched what they could not carry and escaped to the boats right before the rebels fell upon them. Writes that it will now take them three to four days to make it to Richmond, Virginia because the rebels got between them and the main body of the army. They have to go down the York River, into the Chesapeake Bay, and up the James River. Describes having a hard battle in front of Richmond, Virginia on Friday and Saturday; their Brigade General [Truman?] "Seymore" was killed. There is no General "Seymore" listed as serving in the Union Army. There is a General Truman Seymour listed but he survived the war.
Diton Phelps enlisted as a private on 15 May 1861. He mustered into "F" Co. PA 35th Infantry. He was mustered out on 11 June 1864 at Harrisburg, PA.
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