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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03618 |
| From Archive Folder | Unassociated Civil War Documents 1864 |
| Title | George W. Williams to Mary Williams informing her that he has been captured by the Confederates |
| Date | 31 July 1864 |
| Author | Williams, George W. (fl. 1864) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Williams, a Union soldier, informs his sister that he was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Crater by Confederate forces the previous day. Relates that he was not wounded, and is in excellent health. Instructs Mary to write to Mrs. L. F. Hand of Binghamton, New York, to inform her that her husband, Sherman P. Hand, was also taken prisoner. Cross-writing on verso reveals that Williams served in Company I of the 48th Pennsylvania volunteers, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps. Page three measures 10.6 x 7.1 cm. Envelope states "Care of Col Ould Com of Exchange C.S.A. to be forwarded via Flag of Truce." Includes a post mark from Old Point Comfort, 14 August 1864. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Forces Union Soldier's Letter Soldier's Letter Battle Prisoner of War Children and Family Women's History Truce Battle of Petersburg Confederate States of America |
| People | Williams, G. W. (fl. 1864) Hand, Sherman P. (fl. 1864-1865) |
| Place written | Petersburg, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Women in American History; Children & Family |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Lieutenant Hand served in the 43d Regiment, United States Colored Troops, Company E. He was taken prisoner at Petersburg 30 July, and resigned 2 May 1865. The Battle of the Crater was a disaster for the Union, reflecting leadership blunders and resulting in high casualties. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Sister |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers 43rd United States Colored Troops |
| Transcript | Show/hide |