John Ewing, Soldier, Civil War Letter
Collection
Collection Number: A&M 3777
Letter of John Ewing, Corporal of the 16th Ohio Infantry, to his wife and children, written from the Kanawha Valley in the vicinity of Charleston, (West) Virginia (2 November 1862).
Ewing reports himself in good health and describes recent encounters with Confederate troops, including a skirmish with Jenkin's cavalry and the burning of several government buildings.
He also describes in detail his experiences as a Confederate prisoner. He writes that he and other Union prisoners were treated decently, although they were given little food. Ewing also says he saw a "Company" of Indians with the Confederates. He describes engaging in debates with Confederate soldiers about the war, and remarks on the opinions, mood, and character of the Confederate soldiers he met, basing his observations on their states of origin. He also provides a list of the units he encountered while a prisoner.
Ewing describes conditions and happenings in the Union camp where he was currently stationed, inquires about the behavior and schooling of his children, and mentions that spies were being held prisoner in the camp. Closing comments regard clothing supplies, sickness in the camp, and the speed of mail delivery.
Includes transcript of letter.
English
No special access restriction applies.
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0.01 Linear Feet (Summary: 1 item (8 pages in 1 folder))
Letter of John Ewing, Corporal of the 16th Ohio Infantry, to his wife and children, written from the Kanawha Valley in the vicinity of Charleston, (West) Virginia (2 November 1862). Ewing writes that he is in good health and describes recent encounters with Confederate troops. He describes in detail his experience as a Confederate prisoner, including a time he saw a "Company" of Indians with the Confederates. He also remarks on the opinions, mood, and character of the Confederate soldiers he met while in captivity. Ewing writes about conditions and happenings at the Union camp where he was currently stationed. The collection includes a transcript of the letter.
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