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Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913 to Maria Damuth

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.65 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913 Place Written: Morganza, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 August 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 12.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy

Writes about the soldiers who died in the skirmish on the Atchafalaya. A few days earlier, a "big scare down to Baton Rouge" caused the officers to load all the men into boats; the men fell asleep and woke up the next morning still in port, and since then "have heard nothing of Rebs." Agrees with his sister on her judgment of young men who have avoided the draft, "I had rather a sister of mine would marry a soldiers old shirt." Writes about the draft that he hopes it will be the least, although "things look rather dark and discouraging but my faith in the wisdom and Patriotism of our President remains the same."

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