Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Owens, Wortman W., 1831-1864. Letter, 1 June 1863. 4 pages.
Call No.
Mss. C O
Content
A letter written during the Civil War by Wortman W. Owens, a soldier in Company G of the 45th Pennsylvania Infantry. Owens writes to his brother Steve from Camp Jamestown, Kentucky on 1 June 1863. Owens reports that they are within 8 miles from the Cumberland River where they are surrounded by the Confederates. He reports skirmishing between the armies and rebel prisoners being captured. He also describes parties the men of the 45th enjoyed during the previous month when they were stationed near Lexington, Kentucky, including a ball he attended at General Willcox's headquarters in Lexington; and a picnic organized by General Welsh for the privates of the regiment, in which they were given an ambulance wagon to fetch girls to join them. He also writes about an officer who was wounded by rebel bushwhackers, and reports that he is becoming a proficient clarinet player.