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Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to Elizabeth N. Kessler

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.15 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Chicago, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 18.3 x 22.6 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports 1500 Confederate prisoners have arrived in camp over the last two days. Discusses two men who were killed in camp. The first was a sharpshooter who shot himself. The other was a "negro boy" who was shot by a guard. Writes, "… He felt getting Rather careless He was going to His quarters and crossed the gard [sic] when the gard [sic] Halted him 3 times and He did not stop the 4th time shot him…" Thanks her for the stamps. Encourages her to go to school this winter. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Addressee name taken from envelope.

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.

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868
Kessler, Elizabeth N., fl. 1863

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