22 November 1863

Blanchard, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard describes the skirmishes his regiment has with the Confederate troops around the Rappahannock River in the defense of Washington DC. He also describes his camp, saying, "the huts were constructed of bags plastered with mud…every thing was snug and comfortable."

GLC02162.05

31 May 1863

Blanchard, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard writes about how "Gen Hooker got whiped the Boys are feeling down hearted." He also writes about his view on the Confederate cause, saying that he would rather let the rebels have their rights than be led by inept Generals. He also mentions Sergeant Davis's wife who came to see her injured husband, but became sick and died shortly after her arrival.

GLC02162.09

3 September 1863

Blanchard, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard writes to Kinney, boasting about his punctuality in answering his letters. He also adds that the Regiment got a band and they played for the troops all night. Finally, Blanchard praises his camp, saying "every thing [is] pleasent and…the Boys are feeling well."

GLC02162.10

January 11, 1864

Blanchard, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esther Ann Kinney

re: After the battle of Locust, or Orange Grove [November 27, 1863], John Blanchard sustained a "Gun Shot wound in the left arm between the elbow and Shoulder." He spent more than six weeks in the hospital, promising to see the war out "if I have to serve out to this Hospital, give me my arm and I will enlist for three year longer." Written at the Baptist Church Hospital.

GLC02162.11

22 May 1864

Blanchard, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esther Ann Kinney

re: After recovering from his wound, Blanchard visited the west, specifically Chicago. He said, "I have enjoyed my self…[but] I dont lik Chicago has well has some of the Eastern city." He writes about the vast tracts of land available in the west and that it is easier to farm in the west than in Vermont.

GLC02162.12