Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to his friends
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.50 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 April 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 31.6 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his friends from camp. Informs them he received marching orders for tomorrow. Relays a rumor that General Robert E. Lee may be heading towards Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and they may head there too. Notes he sent a trunk of clothes home so he would not have to haul them. Discusses that his band made an appeal to the Secretary of War. Comments he is very discouraged and wants an honorable discharge. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Letter is addressed to his friends but envelope is addressed to his father, A. P. Kessler.
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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