The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03523.14.02 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Dolphus Damuth, D company, 29th regiment, Wisconsin, infantry |
| Title | Dolphus Damuth to John Damuth gives detailed description of setting up camp, pitching tents, and preparing for guard duty along the river |
| Date | 7 November 1862 |
| Author | Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes to let his family know that he arrived safely in Helena, Arkansas, and that the army has crossed the Mississippi River. Gives detailed description of setting up camp, pitching tents and preparing for guard duty along the river. Damuth is in command of twenty-seven men on the look out for guerrilla Rebel soldiers. Tells a story about a black mule driver who was forced to give up his team and wagon to Damuth's colonel. Mentions that there are "20000 more [men] across the river at Helena and more coming every day." There are few other troops from Wisconsin. Rumors have been circulating among the men that they are headed for Vicksburgh, and Damuth's opinion is optimistic - "I think we can clean them out good." Tells his family that he wishes they were able to see all the things they have been hearing of in the news, but adds that "the country is a hard looking place and the people looked as if they were half starved." Mentions the slaves' consciousness of the impending Emancipation Proclamation, saying that they all "know what is going to happen the 1st of Jan." Requests that his family send a paper with election results. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Soldier's Letter Military Camp Confederate States of America Guerrilla Warfare African American History Wartime Pillaging and Destruction Transportation Diet and Nutrition Slavery Children and Family Emancipation Emancipation Proclamation Election Government and Civics Politics |
| People | Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Damuth, John (fl. 1862-1865) |
| Place written | Camp Bryant, Mississippi |
| Theme | The American Civil War; African Americans; Children & Family; Slavery & Abolition; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Brother |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Western Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 29th Wisconsin Infantry, D company |