The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Collection Reference Number GLC03523.52.58
From Archive Folder Collection of Thomas J. Kessler, G company, 1st regiment, Michigan, sharpshooters 
Title Thomas J. Kessler to Elizabeth N. Kessler writing about camp life, his illness with dysentery, and remarks on the proximity to the rebels
Date 5 July 1864
Author Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868)  
Recipient Kessler, Elizabeth N.  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Writes to his sister. Complains about having to wash his clothes in cold water. Comments he does not care how he looks or what he wears; however, she would find him dirty and ragged. Describes being sick with a bad case of dysentery. Notes he has cured it with cheese ginger snaps and brandy. Reports he was within 30 rods of the rebels line this morning. Writes they trade tobacco and coffee with each other and they all bathe in the same creek. Believes the two sides struck a deal not to fire at each other. Requests she writes him with all the news.
Subjects Civil War  Military History  Union Forces  Soldier's Letter  Union Soldier's Letter  Personal Hygiene  Clothing and Accessories  Military Camp  Children and Family  Disease  Alcohol  Diet and Nutrition  Military Provisions  Confederate States of America  Tobacco and Smoking  Battle  Battle of Petersburg  Health and Medical  Women's History  
People Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868)  Kessler, Elizabeth N. (fl. 1863)  
Place written Petersburg, Virginia
Theme The American Civil War; Health & Medicine; Children & Family
Sub-collection Papers and Images of the American Civil War
Additional Information 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.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
Civil War: Recipient Relationship Sister  
Civil War: Theater of War Main Eastern Theater  
Civil War: Unit 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, G company