Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to A. P. Kessler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.57 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: 2 July 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.4 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his father. Informs him he received the memorandum book, paper, envelopes, and stamps. Discusses the hot weather. Notes they have plenty of ice water, lemonade, and a sutler who supplies almost everything. Reports they are preparing for a siege and have received considerable shelling. Describes a cellar he has dug out to protect himself from the shelling. Comments he would like to get out of the army but does not believe his lawyer will succeed. Complains about the lack of respect and mistreatment of soldiers. Writes, "I always thought I was as good as any one of the officers. Even if I am nothing But a private soldier, could, I only get away where abuse is not so much. A soldier is considered no Body in the field and if He gets killed He is covered [up] on top of the ground." 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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