Moore, Peter (fl. 1863) to Charles Mettler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06269 Author/Creator: Moore, Peter (fl. 1863) Place Written: Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 February 1863 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 19.5 x 23.5 cm. Order a Copy
Moore, a Union soldier, informs his friend that he has been on the Steamer Sam Young Packet since 11 February, and that it is two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the Louisiana shore. Relates that he and others sent a decoy boat toward Vicksburg, and that "all the boys think it cost the rebs at least 500 dollars as the most of these shots was one hundred and sixty pounders." Discusses deaths caused by a smallpox epidemic among soldiers, citing that one boat has seven hundred cases. Mentions Philip, a mutual acquaintance still in LaGrange, Tennessee, where Moore has recently been stationed. Writes that he would like to visit friends, but will not soon be able to. Declares, "... I have seen Slavery in all its forms and I think I have seen the Evil of it and I wont stop till the Slaves are free or at least they will have to kill me then of course I will stop but not till then unless they come to terms... "
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