Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to his friends
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.63 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 August 1864 Pagination: 6 p. ; 19.8 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his friends from camp. Expresses his loneliness and boredom with the army. Reports on the fighting in Petersburg, Virginia. Describes soldiering and what a waste war is. Writes, "It is just calling young men from home and Bringing them here for slaughter and fast as they can kill them off call for more. A mans life is value nothing here and is not Respected By any one, is all for himself…" Comments he has not had a change of clothes for two months.
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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