Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868 to A. P. Kessler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.26 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868 Place Written: Chicago, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Informs him that he has been sick for a week with dysentery. Notes most of the camp has it. Discusses the President's message that allows prisoners to keep their property if they take an oath of allegiance. Comments that there have been nearly 200 prisoners from camp who have taken the allegiance and joined the United States Navy. Reports that he and a few other soldiers are still trying to get a discharge. Writes of Congress repealing the $300 bonus for joining the army. Believes that if Congress goes through with the repeal it will put the poor on even ground with the rich when being drafted. Writes, "I hope it will take a few of them Old Rich farmers Boys who never get away from Home it would do them good…" The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.
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