Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Norcott, Charles Ellison, 1846-1887. Letters, 1864. 2 items.
Call No.
Mss. C N
Content
Written to Ellen M. Sherman of Marietta, Illinois, these letters describe the military service of Charles E. Norcott, a musician in the 132nd Illinois Infantry, while stationed in Kentucky. On 10 June 1864, he describes the plantations and fortifications at Columbus, Kentucky, as well as guerrilla activity in the region. He also reports that recent attacks on Union river vessels led to the arrival of three gunboats at the post. On 17 July 1864 he describes a recent brush with the enemy near Paducah, Kentucky, when his party ventured to far from the picket lines. He confesses that he was forced to run. His letters also contain comments about his health and complaints about drunken officers, army food, and extreme heat.