Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
McDonald, Samuel T., b. ca. 1843. Letter, 9 January 1862. ALS, 4 pp.
Call No.
Mss. C M
Content
In a letter to his mother dated 9 Jan. 1862 at Byrds Point, Mo., Pvt. Samuel T. McDonald of the 22nd Illinois Infantry describes an encounter with the enemy at Charleston, Mo. the previous day. He writes, "...a short conflict ensued in which we lost 6 men killeld (sic) and 20 wounded." He adds, "The loss of the secesh is unknown." He reports his unit been ordered to march "with five days rations." He states that he is uncertain of their destination but has heard they will enter Kentucky and attack the Confederate positions at Columbus in that state. He relates that their paymaster is expected soon and the men are armed with new French rifles.