Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Will (Union soldier) To Laura Reynolds, Sherman, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. Fort Halleck, Columbus, Ky., 3 May 1863. ALS. 4 pp. octavo with env.
Call No.
Mss. C W
Content
In a letter dated 3 May 1863 at Fort Halleck, Columbus, Kentucky, 2d Lt. William W. Pettit of the 34th Wisconsin Infantry shares family news with his future wife, Laura E. Reynolds of Portland Center, New York. He reports that some of the men of the 34th New York had been sent to Cairo, Illinois, and others to Fort Henry, Tennessee, to operate the cannons. "We have but 5 companies here, most of the men are at Cairo (Ill.) and Fort Henry (Tenn.) doing guard duty and working (?) the large cannons." He adds that his colonel is under arrest and confined under guard. He notes,"The health of the men here is very good", adding that "Capt. (Noble) Smith is on court martial duty yet and expects to be most of the summer if we stay here." He also noted that General (Irwin) McDowell and his staff had recently visited the post and describes the appearance of the general. (Further research has positively identified the author as William W. Pettit (ca. 1835-1899) of the 34th Wisconsin Infantry who later married Laura Reynolds of Portland, New York.)