Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.07 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Cape Girardeau, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 July 1861 Pagination: 6 p. ; 19.7 x 24.4 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp outside St. Louis. Describes in great detail his trip down the Mississippi River aboard a government steamer "City of Alton." Mentions being applauded by Union people as they went down the river. Comments they have plenty of ripe fruit. "The little girls bring us plenty of apples and pies if we have any suspicion of them being poison we make them eat some first." Remarks on the amount of slaves at every home, between fifteen and twenty, "...who seem to be a very happy set of fellows." Asks her to send a likeness of herself and offers to pay for it. Letter has a Union emblem.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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