Will (fl. 1863) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08920 Author/Creator: Will (fl. 1863) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 July 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Account of New York City Draft Riots from an unidentified soldier signed "Will." Explains that he joined the "Citizens Brigade at the 7th Military headquarters" and was "ordered out to shoot down the riot." Discusses how "The Rebels were on the house tops laying down so that they could throw stones at us & shoot at their pleasure & we had a very poor chance of seeing them, but we must of shot some Ten of them." Also indicates that he helped collect the wounded. He "expects a bloody day is before me." Closes with: "As you can see this is written in haste. my hand trembles in holding a musket all day & night." Addressed to "Dear Ones." Written from the St. Nicholas Hotel in ink and pencil. With a later note on the front indicating that it was written by "Father" at the age of 19 on 16 July 1863.
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