Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.22 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Provence of Carroll, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 April 1863 Pagination: 6 p. ; 20.1 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy
Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp on the Mississippi River. Mentions the levee was cut and submerged the whole country around it, sweeping away many homes and forcing people to flee to higher ground. Reports visits from Union Generals Lorenzo Thomas, John A. Logan and James B. McPherson to explain the President's policy on contrabands: fugitive slaves seeking protection behind Union Lines during the southern invasion. Claims "...within a month there will be more than 20,000 in this department alone in arms for the Union and their liberties." Encloses a yellow rose.
Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.
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