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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.77 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913 Place Written: Memphis, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope Height: 12.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy

Writes to his sister. The men are busy preparing for an inspection, because "they say that the Regt that passes the best inspection will do Provost Guard duty in the city this winter." Damuth has received a pair of suspenders from his family by mail and is glad, reporting that clothing goods are expensive if purchased in camp. Damuth is now receiving twenty-four dollars a month. The night before, Damuth went to the theater to see "the Webb sisters…young but perfect beauties." Going to the theater is a good pastime for soldiers, he argues, because "we see again a little civile life." Says that in Memphis, "the negro troops do all the picket duty and I dont see but what the pro Slavery Dem like it." Argues that many slaves have "white blood," and that their release does not mean that Northerners are "abolitionists and amalgamationists." Asks his sister to send her photograph, and encloses a photograph of his friend Wes Rockwell.

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