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THBDeath of a Yankee, Last Letters of Private Benjamin M. Dunham, 141st Pennsylvania Infantry, KIA Chancellorsville
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
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About Auction
LiveNov 17, 2017 - Nov 18, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (372)
- Lot Description
Lot of 3 Civil War letters from a private, his mother and his sergeant.
Private Benjamin M. Dunham was mustered into Co. K of the PA 141st Infantry on August 27, 1862 and killed on May 3rd, 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA. The private's 4pp letter was written over April 27 - May 1, 1863 and is quite stirring as well as foreboding - on sending his family all his money, he concludes the letter..."I do not like to carry quite so much into battle as the rebs would get too much 'aid and comfort' if anything should happen to me....I wish you mother to distinctly understand that what I have in case anything should happen to me is yours for your support in future and when you are done with it let it be divided between my brothers."
On the day he's killed, his mother writes in part...."dreadful battles that must ensue on your forward march but I trust you in the hands of a overruling Providence. When my dear sons went forth I gave you up to the Lord and my country feeling I had no right to them when my country called and needed them. One of my dear ones has returned disabled...with the loss of an eye...Bennie, may God watch over my dear darling son....& may you all be restored to your friends & home in safety."
Finally, Sergeant J.T. Brewster describes Dunham's death to Bennie's mother in a 4pp letter from a hospital June 2nd, 1863. In part..."when I fell wounded he stopped to enquire whether I was badly hurt or not...I thought it was a pretty hard one. The Col. at that time called upon all to close up in the ranks. The next time I saw of him was when the regt. had retreated. He lay but a short distance from me. He was shot right through the head, the ball entering his forehead. I think he must have been killed instantly...the rebs rifled his pockets of their contents...they would not give me anything but the likeness that I have already sent to you...they took his portfolio and its contents."
An incredible grouping.
Very good to fine condition.Condition
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