Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to Elizabeth N. Kessler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.58 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 July 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister. Complains about having to wash his clothes in cold water. Comments he does not care how he looks or what he wears; however, she would find him dirty and ragged. Describes being sick with a bad case of dysentery. Notes he has cured it with cheese ginger snaps and brandy. Reports he was within 30 rods of the rebels line this morning. Writes they trade tobacco and coffee with each other and they all bathe in the same creek. Believes the two sides struck a deal not to fire at each other. Requests she writes him with all the news.
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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