Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to his sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.06 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Dearborn, Michigan Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister from camp. Discusses the weather. Comments they have been living off of hard crackers for a week and are expecting bread tomorrow. Complains about the bread being sour and dirty. Discusses two new tunes that their band has learned. Writes about the ladies who come into camp and listen to them play. Reports that officers sent 15 to 20 deserters to a prison where they are to be court marshaled. Notes that this is one of the prisoners third time deserting and he is expected to be shot. Reports General Ambrose E. Burnside issued orders that anyone absent from regiment for seven days will be considered a deserter and will have their soldier stripes removed. Writes that the sharpshooters may be reorganized into a cavalry. Relays a story of a drunken soldier pushing a passenger's dog off of a train.
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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