Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913 to John Damuth
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.02 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913 Place Written: Camp Bryant, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 November 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 12.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy
Writes to let his family know that he arrived safely in Helena, Arkansas, and that the army has crossed the Mississippi River. Gives detailed description of setting up camp, pitching tents and preparing for guard duty along the river. Damuth is in command of twenty-seven men on the look out for guerrilla Rebel soldiers. Tells a story about a Black mule driver who was forced to give up his team and wagon to Damuth's colonel. Mentions that there are "20000 more [men] across the river at Helena and more coming every day." There are few other troops from Wisconsin. Rumors have been circulating among the men that they are headed for Vicksburgh, and Damuth's opinion is optimistic - "I think we can clean them out good." Tells his family that he wishes they were able to see all the things they have been hearing of in the news, but adds that "the country is a hard looking place and the people looked as if they were half starved." Mentions the anticipation of the Emancipation Proclamation and that enslaved people are aware that will come to pass. Requests that his family send a paper with election results.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.