Pvt. John P. Sheahan on progress of war, Washington, D.C., 1863

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Pvt. John P. Sheahan on progress of war, Washington, D.C., 1863

Description

Pvt. John P. Sheahan, Co. K, 1st Maine Cavalry, wrote to his father in Dennysville in October 1863 that he was well and in good spirits, but commented that he was less sure Union victory was close at hand than he had been.

Sheahan had been transferred to a dismounted camp in Washington and said he was now corporal of the guard and liked being at the camp better than he thought he would. He especially liked having a cook. He said he dreaded cooking more than he did "Rebs," adding, "tho' they are save as the devil."

He wrote, "Oh what sights I have seen upon the field of battle" and went on to describe some of the horrors.

He expressed hope he could get a commission as a 2nd lieutenant and that his younger brothers would not have to fight in the war. His older brother, William, was a sergeant in the 6th Maine Infantry and was killed about a month after this letter was written.

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About This Item

  • Title: Pvt. John P. Sheahan on progress of war, Washington, D.C., 1863
  • Creator: John Parris Sheahan
  • Creation Date: 1863
  • Subject Date: 1863
  • Locations:
    • Dennysville, Washington County, ME
    • Washington, DC
  • Media: Ink on paper
  • Dimensions: 20 cm x 12.2 cm
  • Local Code: Coll. 184, Box 1/6
  • Collection: John Parris Sheahan papers
  • Object Type: Text

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Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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