Gordon, Thomas M., fl. 1861-1865 to Mrs. Edward Brown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09004 Author/Creator: Gordon, Thomas M., fl. 1861-1865 Place Written: Bowling Green, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 February 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope Height: 23.5 cm, Width: 15 cm Order a Copy
Gordon, a Confederate soldier, begins his letter by stating he greatly misses his home and friends. Says that he has been attending church and receiving some comfort from religion. Writes about a man from his regiment who deserted and is now sentenced to be executed by firing squad. States that he ministered to the soldier and read to him from the Bible. "Twelve men from the Regt. will be detailed to perform the execution ... I hope that I will not be one the number he has a wife and two children she came to see him a few days ago." Adds that the man wanted his wife to stay to see him shot but she refused. Expresses sympathy for the wife and writes that she tried to get the condemned man a new trial but failed. Asks Mrs. Brown to pray for his safe return and to write him. Lists his post to write to as 1st Va Regt of Artillery, care of Capt. Willis J. Dance. Written from camp near Bowling Green, Caroline County in Virginia. Addressed to Brown in Sunny Side, Cumberland County, Virginia. Envelope has two Confederate States, Jefferson Davis 5 cent postage stamps.
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