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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03523.52.14 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of Thomas J. Kessler, G company, 1st regiment, Michigan, sharpshooters |
| Title | Samuel Kessler to Mary Kessler describing the Battle of Chickamauga |
| Date | 28 September 1863 |
| Author | Kessler, Samuel (fl. 1861-1864) |
| Recipient | Kessler, Mary L. |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes to his sister from camp. Describes the "great battle" [the Battle of Chickamauga] that is taking place. Notes his regiment has been in the battle since the beginning. Writes they fell back five miles and have been fortifying ever since. Notes that the rebels, who are commanded by General Braxton Bragg, have reinforced and now outnumber them three to one. Comments that the Confederates are in front of them and will try to push them into the Louisiana River but believe they are too well fortified for that to happen. Reports on the death toll and wounded soldiers. |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Union Forces Soldier's Letter Union Soldier's Letter Battle Battle of Chickamauga Fortification Confederate States of America Confederate General or Leader Death Injury or Wound |
| People | Kessler, Samuel (fl. 1861-1864) Kessler, Mary L. (fl. 1863) Bragg, Braxton (1817-1876) |
| Place written | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Children & Family; Health & Medicine |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Samuel Kessler enlisted as a private on 5 September 1861. On 5 September 1861 he mustered into "C" Co. Indiana 9th Infantry. He was mustered out on 15 September 1864. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought from 18 September 1863 to 20 September 1863. After a three day battle the Union withdrew to the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee on 21 September 1861. The Confederates laid siege, the siege would not be broken until November in the Battle of Chattanooga. The Confederates suffered an estimated 18,454 casualties while the Union suffered an estimated 16,170 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 | 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, G company |