Engberth, Jacob M. (fl. 1863-1864) to John Reeser
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.43.11 Author/Creator: Engberth, Jacob M. (fl. 1863-1864) Place Written: Shepherds Grove, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 March 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy
Talks of being on picket every third day and having both drill company and brigade drill daily. Mentions that reentry is good and that they have 57 men on the roll compared to 17. Complains about another man named Jacob not paying them the local bounty and having to write to Captain [Aichholtz] in West Chester, Pennsylvania to give him his credit there. He was finally able to obtain a certificate showing that he was enlisted. Mentions that he has not been paid yet but will get paid next month and will then pay Reeser. Discusses how the war is going to "fill some mens pockets... and as long as I am in the Army now I am Going to Put all I can in my Pocket." Describes being paid $13.00 a month with no bounty when he first arrived and now earning $20.00 a month with a $752 [?] bounty.
John Reeser enlisted as a Private on 16 July 1864. He was mustered into "B" Co. PA 197th Infantry. He was promoted to Corporal on 18 August 1864. He was mustered out on 11 November 1864 at Philadelphia, PA.
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