Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to his friends
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.03 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Chicago, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 January 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.3 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses a terrible storm and the cold weather. Comments he does not believe he has seen colder weather. Writes the soldiers are freezing and the prisoners are suffering, and many of them have died. Reports it is the coldest weather that the West has seen. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.
Thomas J. Kessler enlisted as a private on 29 June 1863 at Edwardsburg, Michigan. On 8 July 1863 he mustered into "G" Co. Michigan 1st SharpShooters. He was mustered out on 28 July 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, D.C.
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