George W. Cole, Company B 2nd Regiment United States Sharpshooters writes to a friend from "Camp Near Culpeper Va. Sunday March 20th 64" to let them know he was well and that he thinks Eugene has been taken prisoner [Berdan's Sharpshooters]
Culpeper, 1864. Paperback. Very Good. Item #21-6028
8 x 5", lined paper, one sheet, written on both sides, small blindstamp "Croton". Fold creases, light soiling and spotting, a few pencil numbers, approximately 1.5" horizontal tear else good. "I have not seen Charles yet...should have...(but) had picket duty. I have not heard from Eugene yet I think he has been taken prisoner...Sam Wiloby (sic, Willoughby) in his company...There is a good many deserters a coming in from the Rebs...I don't think this war is a going to last long...(write) direct to G.W. Cole Co.B 2nd USSS Washington D.C.". The regiment was wintering with the Army of the Potomac at Culpeper from November 1863 to May 1864, later in May they would take part in the Battle of the Wilderness. Hiram C. Berden (later Colonel) was a well-known amateur champion marksman who founded the Sharpshooters unit in 1861, recruits had to pass a rifle test, have a keen eye, steady hands and steady nerves. Berdan's Sharpshooters (as they were called) were in many major battles: Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor. Company B 2nd Regiment lost 8 officers with 117 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, plus 2 officers and 123 died due to disease. Company B was comprised of Michigan volunteers. When the regiment was disbanded in 1865 the men were transferred to the 5th Michigan Infantry. Both George and Sam survived.
Price: $195.00