Perkins, E.P. (fl. 1864) to Sarah Ogden
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06559.073 Author/Creator: Perkins, E.P. (fl. 1864) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 July 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 25.2 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Notes he was a patient at the Broad and Cherry Hospital a year ago, and expresses his thankfulness for all of the kindness shown him. Informs her that he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. Also mentions that all attempts at finding a "young lady" were "fruitless" when he went home to Minnesota for recruiting purposes. When recruiting attempts failed, the War Department ordered the regiment to consolidate into a battalion. He was elected captain of a company, and re-enlisted in the army for three more years. Writes his battalion joined the Army of the Potomac on 10 June and participated in one of [General Ulysses] Grant's "grand flank movements" and two battles. Says the company is tired now, but is looking forward to a "triumphant march into the much coveted City [Richmond]." He has been building fortifications while off duty. Informs Ogden that he is camped near Lieutenant Benham, who was at the Broad and Cherry Hospital, and they talk of the good times they had together. Includes an embossed seal in the upper left hand corner. Envelope includes a three cent stamp.
Sarah Perot Ogden was a Quaker from Philadelphia who took part in variety of philanthropic works such as assisting the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America, the Philadelphia Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and President of the Philadelphia Home for Incurables. Both Ogden and her husband, Edward H. Ogden, were strong supporters of the Union cause. During the Civil War Ogden volunteered in a military hospital where she made daily visits. Her husband served as a Union soldier.
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